HARARE -- The Zimbabwe Boxing Board of Control has gone tough and has set a deadline of December 31 for all national title holders to defend their belts. According to the secretary of the board Patrick Mkondiwa a circular to that effect has been sent to boxing promoters so that they can do their match making. So far only three boxers including Pan African heavyweight champion Thamsanga Dube have managed to defend their titles out of the more than 12 champions.
This Mkondiwa said was not health for a country that is dreaming of regaining its status as the best boxing nation on the continent.?? The boxing administrator revealed that the board has also updated the boxing ratings in order to assist the promoters adding that no boxer would be allowed to fight outside the country if they have not defend his belt by the December 31 deadline.??
Mkondiwa said in addition boxers would also have to produce proof of their HIV and Hepatitis B tests before they were allowed to defend or challenge for the championships. It is an international requirement that boxers produce a clean bill of health before they can be allowed because of the nature of the sport.