The academy, whose aim is to revive the sport in the southern region, is located in Gweru’s densely-populated suburb of Ascot, where the former champion grew up.
Tinago, 64, retired from the ring in 1987, after 106 professional fights that drew a record of 82 wins and 20 defeats. Some of his successes include winning his first Commonwealth title in 1980, after a convincing fifth round flooring of the then much-hyped Hogani Jimoh in his home ring in Nigeria.
Highly-rated boxing analyst, Dave Wellings, who coached Tinago, wrote in his book The Bengu Years – which tells of boxing and wrestling in Zimbabwe – that the Tinago remained one of the country’s most successful boxers.
“After all the successes I got in boxing myself, I want to now groom youngsters to also rise to stardom in the sport and perhaps beat my records,” said Tinago. He has already roped another boxing legend, Jonas “Disaster” Mwale, into the project with the aim of turning promising youngsters into professional boxers.
“Mwale is another recognised former boxer who won various titles. His experience, combined with mine, will surely tap immense talent. We strategically set up the academy at Ascot Community Hall because history has shown that boxers who achieve fame have usually emerged from ghettos,” said Tinago.
Barely a year after inception, the academy has already produced potential boxing heavyweights. T Tinago’s son Breland showed signs of brilliance when he traded leather in professional fights at the Zvenyika Arifonso Testimonial, on Africa Day. Many others participated at the national youth games where they claimed victories.
“We are capturing talent from as young as seven year olds and from the look of things, the academy will become a beacon of hope for the sport in a few years’ time,” said Mwale.
Post published in: Sport