Moment of truth for Queen of boxing

A moment of truth awaits Zimbabwe’s “Queen of Boxing”, Monalisa Sibanda, when she steps into the ring on Saturday for her Africa Boxing Union welterweight title challenge to Ghana’s Gift Amuana Ankara in Accra.

Monalisa Sibanda
Monalisa Sibanda

Following her loss to Zambia’s Esther Phiri in February last year, a defeat against Amuana could have devastating consequences for the Zimbabwean, who might not get another chance from the Union anytime soon.

On the other hand, her win could re-open the chances of another crack at Phiri’s Women’s International Boxing Organisation belt, or even another unification fight that would also put Phiri’s Women’s International Boxing Association light welterweight title on offer.

Monalisa said recently that she was ready for the Amuana fight, for which she has been training hard under the guidance of Clyde Musonda. She has also sparred with male boxers to help improve not only her power, but resilience as well – having beaten all those of her gender.

She remains unbeaten in more than five years, and has had to travel to South Africa for fights that have kept her in shape. Although she possesses powerful punches, foot speed, and quick jabs, the local champion still needs to improve on her endurance as her next fights become harder with the distance.

Post published in: Sport

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