Itai Muzondo
GWERU born boxer Hassan ‘Starboy’ Milanzi recently lifted the World Boxing Federation Super Bantamweight Title after beating Clifford Antafu of Malawi in a 12-bout boxing match at Seven Arts Theatre in Harare.
Milanzi’s victory brought his boxing belts to three as he also holds the Universal Boxing Council Championship and the SADC African Boxing Union championship belts he won in 2019 and April this year respectively.
The former Sandara Primary and Mambo High student said the WBF Super Bantamweight title he won last Saturday is a confidence booster for him and other boxers under their stable, the Otto Boxing Club.
“It felt so good, it gave me and my team confidence to know that we have what it takes to even fight on the world stage.
“This victory showed that we are ready for the big stage,” Milanzi said.
The 27-year-old boxer knocked out Antafu in the fifth round.
Milanzi who started boxing at the tender age of 12 under the tutelage of Clemence Mutuma at Mtapa Hall hopes to one day defend his title on home soil in Gweru where he started his boxing journey and push through to fight for a world title in the same city.
He also hopes to build a boxing gym and push other youngsters into the sport so that they stay off the streets and drugs.
“I want to inspire other kids who grew up in a similar background like myself. I want to show them that they can get to where I am and even further,” Milanzi said.
With a number of titles to his name, Milanzi attributes his success to the foundation he had at Mtapa Hall where he trained with the likes of Edmos Takawira, Brilliant Tinago, Bonapart Mvura and Noah Charinya, some who left the sport early.
Milanzi also won the Super Bantamweight National Champion in 2018, the year he turned professional.
Gweru residents also welcomed the news of Milanzi’s exploits calling for a civic recognition by Gweru City Council.
Gweru Mayor, Martin Chivhoko also took time to congratulate Milanzi in his Chambers and went on to say his victory is bigger as it does not only celebrate him but Gweru at large.
