All eyes will be on the Warehouse Arena in Masaki, Dar es Salaam, tomorrow as the much-anticipated Boxing on Boxing Day event takes centre stage, with veteran Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mwakinyo flying the national flag against Nigeria’s Stanley Eribo.
The headline bout will crown a packed fight card that promises fireworks, following the successful weigh-in and medical checks conducted at the venue yesterday.
The exercise confirmed that all boxers are fit and cleared to compete, setting the stage for a thrilling night of punches and pride.
Several high-stakes bouts are lined up, including Hamadi Furahisha’s clash with Malawi’s Hanock Phiri, while Ally Ngwando will trade blows with Mussa Makuka.
Issa Simba of Kahama is set to face Malawi’s Wilson Phiri, as Hassan Ndonga takes on Ismail Boika in another closely watched contest.
Women’s boxing will also take the spotlight, with Hidaya Zahoro of Morogoro squaring off against Dar es Salaam’s Leila Macho.
In another women’s bout, Debora Mwenda will battle Malawi’s Mariam Dick, a fight that has already drawn keen interest from fans.
Speaking after the weigh-in, Mwakinyo called on boxing lovers to turn out in large numbers to support the sport and enjoy top-class entertainment.
“I urge fans to come out in big numbers and support us so that boxing continues to grow. I am fully prepared and confident of delivering against my opponent from Nigeria,” Mwakinyo said.
Eribo, meanwhile, said he was delighted to be in Tanzania and praised the organisers for the professional arrangements.
“I am here strictly on boxing business. I invite fans to come and witness a great fight,” Eribo said.
Peak Time Media & Promotion events coordinator Bakari Hatibu said preparations were in their final stages, with about 90 per cent of the work already completed.
He assured fans that all bouts had been organised in accordance with agreed standards and regulations.
“We are calling on Tanzanians to come with their families to watch Mwakinyo and other boxers in action. Buy tickets and enjoy clean, competitive and quality boxing entertainment,” Hatibu said.
He also appealed to the public to keep all boxers in their prayers, wishing them safety and the ability to deliver exciting and competitive bouts.
For her part, Debora Mwenda said she was grateful for good health and fully ready for the challenge ahead.
“I ask Tanzanians to come and support me. This is a national fight—when I win, the nation wins. I am 100 per cent ready and I do not expect to lose,” she said confidently.
Her opponent, Mariam Dick of Malawi, struck a bold tone, saying she had come to Tanzania with one mission—to take the belt—urging her rival to be fully prepared for a tough contest.