Debora Mwenda, a boxer from Kinyogori Boxing Gym, has confirmed her readiness to return to competitive action as she prepares for the Dar Boxing Derby 2026 in Dar es Salaam, where she will face Dorothea Mhonza from Gongo la Mboto.
Mwenda said she has fully recovered from the injuries that previously kept her out of the ring and is now in strong condition as she intensifies her final preparations for the bout.
She noted that the recovery period was difficult but necessary, allowing her body to heal properly while also giving her time to refine her skills and rebuild confidence.
“Nashukuru Mungu kwa kurudi ulingoni baada ya kupata majeraha. Sasa nipo vizuri na maandalizi yanaendelea vizuri. Nipo tayari kwa ajili ya pambano,” she said, adding that she respects her opponent’s record and experience but remains confident in her own preparation.
She said her training camp has focused on discipline, endurance, and tactical awareness, with an emphasis on improving her ability to adapt during a fight.
Mwenda added that fans should expect a competitive and entertaining bout, noting that both fighters have worked hard ahead of the event.
“Mashabiki wanatarajia kuona pambano zuri kutoka kwangu. Mimi na timu yangu tumejiandaa vizuri kuonyesha kiwango kizuri,” she said.
Her coach, Dickson Tembo, said the camp has prioritized both technical preparation and mental strength, stressing that modern boxing requires strategy as much as physical power.
He said Mwenda has shown strong progress in training and is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
“Tumejiandaa kimbinu na kiakili. Ngumi si kupanda milima bali ni mbinu na akili. Tunaamini maandalizi tuliyofanya yatamuwezesha Debora kupata ushindi,” Tembo said.
He added that the team has worked on improving her timing, defense, and ring control, which he believes will be key factors in the fight.
Supporters of the boxer have also expressed confidence in her performance. One of her fans, Buguza Andrew, said Mwenda has trained well and is expected to deliver a strong showing, urging her opponent to be fully prepared for a tough contest.
“Ujumbe wetu kwa mpinzani ni ajiandae vizuri kwa sababu sisi tumejiandaa na tunatarajia ushindi,” he said.
Meanwhile, boxing stakeholder George Mwenda said he believes Debora has the potential to secure a knockout victory if she executes her strategy effectively, suggesting the fight could end in the early rounds.
The Dar Boxing Derby 2026 is expected to attract strong attention from boxing fans in Dar es Salaam, with women’s boxing continuing to gain momentum in Tanzania.
The Mwenda vs Mhonza bout is among the most anticipated fights on the card, with both athletes aiming to make a strong statement.
As fight day approaches, Mwenda remains focused on maintaining peak fitness, sharpening her technique, and ensuring she enters the ring fully prepared for a tough and competitive encounter.
