Just days after dazzling fans at Emperors Palace with a decisive KO win over Richard Garde, Zimbabwe’s boxing sensation Beaven Sibanda is on the cusp of something far greater: a shot at the IBF minimumweight world title as early as September.
The buzz around Sibanda’s next move is already electric, and for good reason. Plans are firming for him to take on reigning champion Pedro Taduranon a blockbuster card in the Philippines.
The event is set to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the legendary ‘Thriller in Manila’, the iconic 1975 bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
“This is a definite possibility,” said international matchmaker and manager Jim Mananquil who was ringside at Emperors Palace the past weekend. “We plan to sit and talk terms with [Golden Gloves promoter] Rodney Berman.”
Berman himself is thrilled, not just by the possibility of Sibanda securing the title bout, but by the momentum building in the division. Rising star Siya Kuse is also in line for a championship eliminator against tough Filipino Joey Canoy.
Of course, Kuse and Sibanda recently went toe-to-toe in a spectacular contest that saw Kuse edge the decision. The bout was a coming-of-age moment for both; two young warriors earning respect, and setting themselves up for international stardom.
As the IBF title picture sharpens, Sibanda’s blend of precision and grit, so resplendent on Saturday, could soon be on full display under the global spotlight.
From Emperors Palace to the Pacific, the stage is growing, and so is the legend in the making.
