Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
JOHANNESBURG – Zimbabwean mixed martial arts fighter Nicholas ‘Gokwe Boy’ Hwende is the new Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) world bantamweight champion after beating Brazilian Gian Souza in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Hwende who has been on the ascendancy since turning professional last year, winning three fights along the way, beat the Brazilian Souza by a technical knockout in the third round.
The Gokwe born and bred fighter becomes the third Zimbabwean after Themba Gorimbo and Sylvester Chipfumbu to win a world title in the EFC championship.
“I’m really excited because this has always been my dream to win a world title within a year of turning professional. I turned professional last year and I gave myself a target that I should push for a world title,” Hwende said.
“Like I said before this is just the beginning. You ain’t seen anything yet, the best is still to come. I want more success to put my home area Gokwe on the world map. I was supposed to have gone for a fight in the United Arab Emirates in September but had to cancel it because I broke my finger in the fight against Souza. I got injured in the first round but I persevered in the next two rounds.
“Who is next? I want somebody to smash. I learnt from the best so I’m going to be the best. I really want to thank my brothers who came before me Sylvester Chipfumbu and Themba Gorimbo for paving the way for me and also for their continued support. Sylvester has been really a pillar of strength for my rise. He has been there for me, holding my hand.”
Hwende debuted in the EFC in August last year beating South African Themba Mkhize before beating Ireland based Zimbabwean Taka Mhandu. Hwende then beat South African Eduardo Barros in his last non title fight in May.
