Zimbabwe boxer Hassan Milanzi rushes back to the ring just days after his big win. The fighter they call Starboy grabbed the World Boxing Federation intercontinental super-bantamweight belt last week. He beat Tanzanian Abdul Kubira in round six at Harare on March 29. The very next day, boxing officials named him Professional Boxer of the Year at a ceremony held at Cresta Lodge. His fast rise through the boxing ranks has caught many people across Africa.
Milanzi heads straight into another major fight against Namibian boxer Fillipus Nghitumbwa on April 12. They will battle for the World Boxing Organisation Africa title at the Ramatex complex in Windhoek. Well-known promoter Nestor Tobias from Sunshine Boxing Promotions is running the event. This match brings huge risks for the 24-year-old Zimbabwean star, who must face a tough hometown hero. Nghitumbwa brings serious experience as a former two-time holder of the WBO Global super-bantamweight title.
The Namibian fighter packs knockout power, with 13 KOs among his 15 professional wins. He lost only twice - once to fellow Namibian Jonas Matheus in 2017 and last year to American John Riel Casimero in Las Vegas. At 28 years old, Nghitumbwa brings his aggressive style and home advantage against the younger Milanzi. The Zimbabwean team chose to take this chance despite the short break between fights. A victory would make Milanzi a major force across the continent.
The decision carries extra danger because WBF rules state that titleholders who suffer knockout losses - even in fights for other organizations - must give up their belts. This rule has hurt Zimbabwean boxers before, including Tatenda Biningu from Manyuchi Boxing Academy. Milanzi knows Namibian rings well from experience. He traveled there in October 2022 but lost by technical knockout in round five against Mateus Heita.
History shows mixed results for Zimbabwean fighters who visit Namibia. Local fighters usually defend their turf successfully against visitors. Yet boxers like Peter Pambeni and Brendon Denes managed to leave with title belts, proving upset wins remain possible. For Milanzi, the April 12 fight means everything - much more than just another match. A win against Nghitumbwa might transform him into a famous name throughout African boxing circles. The Starboy aims to shine brighter than ever on this important night.
Milanzi heads straight into another major fight against Namibian boxer Fillipus Nghitumbwa on April 12. They will battle for the World Boxing Organisation Africa title at the Ramatex complex in Windhoek. Well-known promoter Nestor Tobias from Sunshine Boxing Promotions is running the event. This match brings huge risks for the 24-year-old Zimbabwean star, who must face a tough hometown hero. Nghitumbwa brings serious experience as a former two-time holder of the WBO Global super-bantamweight title.
The Namibian fighter packs knockout power, with 13 KOs among his 15 professional wins. He lost only twice - once to fellow Namibian Jonas Matheus in 2017 and last year to American John Riel Casimero in Las Vegas. At 28 years old, Nghitumbwa brings his aggressive style and home advantage against the younger Milanzi. The Zimbabwean team chose to take this chance despite the short break between fights. A victory would make Milanzi a major force across the continent.
The decision carries extra danger because WBF rules state that titleholders who suffer knockout losses - even in fights for other organizations - must give up their belts. This rule has hurt Zimbabwean boxers before, including Tatenda Biningu from Manyuchi Boxing Academy. Milanzi knows Namibian rings well from experience. He traveled there in October 2022 but lost by technical knockout in round five against Mateus Heita.
History shows mixed results for Zimbabwean fighters who visit Namibia. Local fighters usually defend their turf successfully against visitors. Yet boxers like Peter Pambeni and Brendon Denes managed to leave with title belts, proving upset wins remain possible. For Milanzi, the April 12 fight means everything - much more than just another match. A win against Nghitumbwa might transform him into a famous name throughout African boxing circles. The Starboy aims to shine brighter than ever on this important night.
