Mau Mau–Landmine Graduation Tournament Set to Igni...

Mau Mau–Landmine Graduation Tournament Set to Ignite Harare with High-Profile Attendance

Co-promoter Landmine Madongonda (R) with the assistance of one of the two main bout contestants, Sehliselwe Nhliziyo, displays the national title to be fought for tonight. Picture courtesy of Mega Clips Media

Gilbert Munetsi – Zim Now Writer

The historic Mau Mau–Landmine Graduation Boxing Tournament is set to electrify the Raylton Sports Club in Harare this evening, promising a showcase of emerging talent and a couple of seasoned fighters.

The event, organized by Mau Mau Boxing in partnership with Landmine Promotions, has drawn significant attention both locally and internationally, coinciding with the presence of dignitaries in Zimbabwe for the prestigious Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA).

The tournament features an exceptionally packed card, including 17 professional debut bouts and three supporting amateur contests, underscoring the event’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of African boxing talent.

The official weigh-in took place yesterday noon at the venue, setting the stage for what is expected to be a night of scintillating action.

Headlining the event is a highly anticipated clash for the vacant super-bantam national title, with former bantamweight champion Patience Mastara facing off against Bulawayo’s Sehliselwe Nhliziyo over 10 rounds.

This main event is supported by a robust undercard, including an international non-title bout featuring former WBO Africa champion Brendon Denese of Zimbabwe against Malawian middleweight contender Roy Yudah, adding a cross-border dimension to the tournament.

In a significant development for Zimbabwean boxing, several foreign dignitaries attending the RASA—scheduled for the Harare International Conference Centre and to be officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa—have expressed keen interest in attending the boxing showcase.

While the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board’s programmes manager, Moreways Changa, could not confirm specific names or logistical details, he acknowledged the strong interest from international delegates.

“We do not have the names as yet, neither do we have the logistical specifics, but we can share the news that, indeed, there are some dignitaries who have shown a keen interest to be part of the great boxing night. More information will be communicated to the promoters in due course,” Changa stated.

The presence of these dignitaries is expected to further elevate the profile of the event, enhancing Zimbabwe’s reputation as a growing hub for regional and international boxing.

Landmine Madongonda, co-promoter of the event and a prominent figure in Zimbabwean sports, music, and agriculture, emphasized the significance of the partnership with Mau Mau Boxing. Madongonda, a former professional boxer himself, regards this collaboration as a homecoming, reflecting on his own journey from amateur to professional ranks under the Mau Mau banner.

“After a lengthy spell as an amateur boxer, I turned pro in 1990, first as a boxer under Ring Promotions then managed by Lorraine Muringi, before finding a new home at Mau Mau Boxing,” Madongonda shared.

“We have plans to jointly stage three shows before the end of the year, including a ‘Night of Champions’ event. Our aim is to ensure every domestic division crowns a champion and to establish a comprehensive national ratings system,” he revealed.

Madongonda’s vision aligns with broader efforts to professionalize and expand boxing in Zimbabwe, addressing the current lack of structured rankings and champion representation across all weight divisions.

The Mau Mau–Landmine Graduation Tournament represents a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe’s boxing renaissance. With a blend of grassroots development and international engagement, the event is poised to inspire a new generation of fighters and fans. The anticipated attendance of high-profile dignitaries further underscores the sport’s growing stature on the African continent.

As the lights go up at Raylton Sports Club tonight, Zimbabwean boxing stands ready to showcase its potential to a global audience, thereby reaffirming its place on the international stage.