HARARE – Zimbabwean boxing sensation Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire’s highly anticipated World Boxing Council (WBC) international bantamweight showdown against Indian champion Urvashi Singh has been indefinitely postponed due to complications in securing Australian visas.
The 27-year-old Chiwandire, hailed as the best pound-for-pound female boxer globally and currently ranked eighth in the bantamweight category, was scheduled to face Singh in Victoria, Australia, this Friday.
However, a logistical setback in obtaining visas for Chiwandire and her team—manager/promoter Clyde Musonda and coach Tarisai Ponde—has led to the unfortunate postponement.
The initial plan to travel on November 30 for acclimatization purposes was thwarted when their visa applications were rejected.
A second attempt to secure visas for a trip on December 8 also faced refusal, leading to the ultimate cancellation of the bout.
Promoter of the fight, MJA Entertainment, in collaboration with DJMC Events, is yet to provide Chiwandire’s team with the official refusal letter, but the fight has effectively been called off.
In response to the setback, a disappointed Musonda said, “As we speak, the fight is off, and it is very disappointing to say the least.
“Our visas were being processed in Australia by the promoter’s agent, so we were only going for biometrics this side at the end of November, but they advised us that the visas had been refused.”
Expressing his shock and disappointment, Musonda continued, “I am really shocked and disappointed.
“It’s so sad because I had invested so much in the boxer. We have never experienced that in our boxing journey. This is the first time we have been refused a sport visa. But there is nothing we can do.
“We have reassured the boxer that the opportunity will come some other time. She knows those things happen, and she is mature enough.”
Chiwandire, who previously challenged for the WBC gold title against Mexican Yamileth Mercado in Chihuahua, faced a points defeat in that bout.
Despite the current setback, Chiwandire remains resilient, and her team vows to stay prepared for future opportunities.
“We will break for the Christmas holidays, and we will be back to training, and we will see what comes up in our way. We were ready, and we will always be ready,” Musonda affirmed.
While disappointed, Chiwandire’s fans and the boxing community await the talented pugilist’s next chance at the WBC title, knowing that setbacks are an inherent part of the sport.
