Mayweather Jets into Zimbabwe Amidst Tense Political Atmosphere
Mayweather came at the invitation of businessman and boxing enthusiast, Scott.
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has landed in Harare aboard a private jet for a three-day visit dubbed ‘The Motherland Tour’.
Mr Money, as Mayweather is affectionately known is coming at the invitation of businessman and boxing enthusiast, Scott Sakupwanya.
Musician Jah Prayzah is expected to provide entertainment at the event.
Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry is expected to receive a boxing ring donation from Better Brands on behalf of the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board.
However, she was yet to confirm attendance as she seemingly got the invite late owing to the delayed release of the full programme.
Technical staff from the Johannesburg-based ring manufacturing company are already in the country ahead of the handover ceremony.
The ZNBWCB, while being a technical partner in the arrangements, is not involved in the logistical matters pertaining to the specifics of the tour.
The tour hosts said proceedings at Number 1 Grounds in Mabvuku, the venue for the main activities, will commence at 1000hrs Thursday, with the special guest, Mayweather, expected to arrive at 1400hrs.
“Money” then wraps up his tour with an event specifically for the invited that is slated for the Meikles Hotel. Dubbed “The Talk with Floyd Mayweather”, it will begin at 1900hrs.
Mayweather’s visit follows a meeting he had in May last year with Better Brands owner Scott Sakupwanya when the two interfaced in the United Arab Emirates. The American boxing icon was there for an exhibition fight that was ultimately cancelled and Sakupwanya was on a business trip.
Expectations remain high that the much-hyped visit by Mayweather will have an impact that culminates in the development of the sport of boxing in Zimbabwe.
From Zimbabwe, he concludes his two-nation tour of the African continent with a trip to South Africa.
WATCH VIDEO OF MAYWEATHER CONVOY
Meanwhile, the national super-featherweight title contest between Aliyah Phiri and Ndodana Ncube earlier pencilled in for Friday has been moved backwards to tomorrow.
According to Delta Force Boxing Promotions director, Clyde Musonda, the arrangement is aimed at making the visiting Mayweather have an appreciation of the boxing talent that abounds in Zimbabwe.
