Organisers of the Dar Boxing Derby have raised the stakes for the event's headline bout by introducing a Toyota Crown as a winner's prize for the clash between Juma Choki and Tony Rashid, set for July 24 at the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) in Ubungo.
The prize, unveiled by event promoter PeakTime Media, comes in addition to the fighters' contracted purses and is aimed at increasing competition while attracting greater investment into Tanzania's professional boxing scene.
Speaking during the launch, PeakTime Media Events Coordinator Bakari Khatibu said the initiative reflects efforts to enhance the commercial appeal of the sport and reward athletes for outstanding performances.
"The car is an additional incentive beyond the contractual payments already made to the fighters. We want to motivate them to deliver entertaining contests while demonstrating that professional boxing can create meaningful opportunities for athletes," Khatibu said.
Choki said the prize had provided extra motivation as he prepares for one of the biggest fights of his career, noting that winning the vehicle would significantly improve his daily life.
"I currently rely on a motorcycle to travel to training and carry out my daily activities. Winning this car would ease my transportation challenges and represent an important milestone in my boxing career," he said.
Rashid, however, maintained that his focus has always been on victory, regardless of the additional reward.
"A professional boxer always enters the ring to win. The car is a welcome bonus, but my preparations and determination began long before it was announced," he said.
Event sponsors Distinction Limited and Euro Max Limited said the winner will also receive entrepreneurship training lasting between three and six months, aimed at equipping the boxer with business skills and helping secure financial stability after retirement from the sport.
Meanwhile, PK Pharmacy representative Dr Omar Semunyu said comprehensive medical preparations for the event had been completed, with doctors, ambulances and essential emergency equipment on standby to safeguard the health of fighters and spectators.
Semunyu stressed that all medical decisions on fight night would be made independently and strictly in accordance with international safety standards, with the welfare of the boxers taking precedence over any competitive or commercial considerations.
