Shungu Kupani

I was born and raised in Chegutu. My journey into boxing came from a difficult place. Growing up in a violent neighbourhood, I was small in stature and often picked on — an easy target for bullying. So to solve that problem, I searched my town for people who did boxing. That's when I met Simbarashe Gwatirinda, originally from Triangle, Masvingo — a place known as the mecca of boxing.

My first match was unplanned. Coach Simba invited me to watch him fight, but he quietly had me step on the scale, presenting it like a medical check-up. Then I heard my name called for a fight. I didn't refuse — I fought, and I won by knockout.

During my amateur career I had 96 fights. I lost only twice, both to the same boxer — a soldier named Luckmore Kamoto. 85 percent of my wins came by knockout. I tried to join the Army Club but didn't make it, and Shumba Academy didn't work out. Eventually I landed at Otto Boxing Club, which is now my permanent home — amateur in 2020, professional in 2023.

Today I am the national champion in my weight category with a professional record of 4 wins and 2 losses. I am still refining my skills so I can compete with the super-elite. One day, I will be a global champion.