MILLICENT HUNGWE
Bulawayo – The Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) boxing team has made a remarkable showing at the recent International Boxing Day celebrations held at the Palace Hotel in Bulawayo.
Led by 24-year-old Economics Honors student and team captain Brian Chiuya, the GZU boxers proved that the sport requires not just physical toughness, but also mental fortitude.
Chiuya’s impressive split-decision win over Godknows Masina from Tshaka Club in a thrilling 3-round match showcased his skill and strategic prowess.
“I’m thrilled to have won my first national tournament, and I couldn’t have done it without Coach Boika’s expert training and support,” Chiuya said.
GZU sports director and president of the Masvingo Provincial Combat Sport Development Committee, Olivarth Guvuriro, highlighted the team’s achievement as a powerful reminder that stereotypes about boxers being unintelligent are unfounded.
“Many boxers are highly educated and strategic thinkers, using their brains as much as their brawn to outmaneuver their opponents,” he said.
Coach Brendon Denes, affectionately known as “Boika,” beamed with pride at his team’s performance.
“I’m really grateful for my boxers’ performance, for they managed to fight against seasoned boxers who have better amateur records than them.
“Some stepped in the ring for the first time but showed resilience, and among them, the team captain displayed a fashionable style of boxing, defeating his opponent,” he said.
Guvuriro and Pessy Ngwenya, the GZU dean of students, expressed their hope to participate in future events like the one scheduled on September 28, in Masvingo.
