Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD boxing sensation Bevan Sibanda received a hero’s welcome yesterday morning upon his return to Zimbabwe, a little over a fortnight after making history by clinching the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) strawweight title.
The Robert Mugabe International Airport was abuzz with excitement as boxing fans, family, friends and prominent local boxing promoter Clyde Musonda gathered to welcome the nation’s newest champion.
Sibanda, who is now based in South Africa, proudly hails from Mbare, a high-density suburb in Harare, where his remarkable boxing journey began.
His triumph marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean boxing, as he is the first pugilist from the country to win an IBO belt.
In an interview with journalists upon his arrival, a visibly elated Sibanda shared his overwhelming joy.
“The feeling is overwhelming. I am so happy, I am so excited ,and mostly to come to my country and show people what I have achieved. It’s a blessing,” he said.
Recounting his path to victory, Sibanda detailed his championship bout. “I achieved this by beating a Filipino guy. We had a good record and I stopped him in Round 5, then I got my IBF title.”
The fight, which took place in South Africa on Saturday, July 5, 2025, saw Sibanda deliver a stunning fifth-round knockout victory over Filipino Richard Garde to claim the IBF International Minimumweight title.
This victory earned him the shot at the prestigious IBO strawweight title.
His journey to this point included a unanimous points win over former South African junior-flyweight champion Nhlanhla Tyirha in Cape Town earlier this year, solidifying his contender status.
Describing the atmosphere during his championship fight, Sibanda said: “It was intense and I had a lot of support there, so for me, I knew this is my job and I belong in this job, so I was ready and excited, so the atmosphere was amazing.”
Sibanda also expressed pride in being a trailblazer for Zimbabwean boxing.
“It feels great for me to be the first one to do it, and I’m sure many are going to follow suit because we also have a lot of talent in Zimbabwe, so this is just the beginning,” he declared.
Looking ahead, the newly-crowned champion made a bold promise to his adoring fans.
“You must expect more of these belts and more people getting beaten up, and more champions are going to be produced from Zimbabwe.”
Sibanda’s victory is not just a personal triumph, but a source of inspiration for aspiring boxers and the entire nation, signalling a new era of success for Zimbabwean boxing on the international stage.
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