MILLICENT HUNGWE
Boxing judge Gloria Tambudzai Dera made history on December 6, when she officiated at the WBC Silver title fight in South Africa as the only female official from Masvingo Province.
Dera confirmed the rare achievement to The Midweek Watch on her arrival from the trailblazing event in South Africa.
“I learnt a lot of things and I benefited professionally. The game was tight,” Dera reflected on her experience.
At 41 years old, Dera is a married teacher at Mutonhori High School in Zaka, with three children, one girl and two boys.
Her journey in boxing began in 2014, when she became a boxing coach at her school.
In 2021, she received training from Manny Fenandes in Bulawayo, further honing her skills.
However, later that year she attended the WBC and ABU convention in Victoria Falls, where she graduated as an international judge.
Dera’s first match as a judge was at a WBC title fight, soon after the Victoria Falls convention, to date, she has officiated five matches, including two WBC and three ABU title fights.
Despite being a male-dominated sport, Dera was determined to break the barrier. “I wanted to break the barrier as you know boxing is male dominated,” she said.
“I was inspired by Mr. Bvunyenge, who was the head by then and is now heading Mufakose High in Triangle, he picked me to be a coach amongst the ladies who were at the school when boxing was introduced.”
Dera’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration to women everywhere. “I feel honored to be a female boxing judge,” she said.
“My message to other women is to always be yourself, never give up on your dreams and aspirations, support and uplift one another so as to break the barrier and create a wave of positive change.”
With her remarkable story, Dera is paving the way for future generations of women officials in boxing.
