Mjanja will shock the world vows manager
Tatenda Mjanja….looking to make it a hat-trick of pro victories
THOSE witnessing the first professional steps of Tatenda Mjanja are seeing a fighter at the start of a journey that will lead to world level.
That’s the firm belief of the super-middle’s manager Naji Al Harbi. It’s a lofty expectation for a boxer with only two paid bouts under his belt, both wide points wins.
On Scott Murray’s October 1 Excelsior Sporting Club, Cannock, show, Mjanja goes for the hat-trick. An opponent has yet to be named, but it will likely be a four rounder.
After that, he’s booked to box in Stoke on October 23 over six rounds.
It’s fair to say Naji, boss of Hi Tech fight gym, is pretty excited about Erdington’s Mjanja, a school PE teacher by day.
“The guys he’s sparring and how he’s handling himself, these are top guys,” Naji told me. “He was an overweight kid when he came to me, I turned him around and he learned very quickly. He has one of the best chins, his is tough as anything and does the distance. He does 10 rounds with people like (former British light-heavyweight champ) Shakan Pitters. Twelve rounds will not be a problem.”
I watched the Zimbabwe born 25-year-old’s debut and can confirm he’s a whirlwind: the man’s work rate is extraordinary. The test will come over longer distances, when Mjanja has to vary the pace and change tactics during the contest.
I’ve heard sparring stories, but don’t draw conclusions from them: the game is littered with pros who dazzled in the gym yet struggled to shine as strongly under bright lights.
I do take notice of the very good men Mjanja beat in a 44 bout amateur career. “In the amateurs he beat about five national champions, the Irish champion, the Portuguese champion…,” Naji said. “He had a lot of bad luck in the elites. He got cut in a semi-final and they wouldn’t let him go through. He should’ve won the elites, he beat guys who won the elites.”
Mjanja, yet to go beyond the apprentice four round distance, travelled to Detroit with Naji, sparred over there and even had a bout lined which frustratingly fell through at the last minute. The Americans liked what they saw.
“We went to a top gym in Cleveland and sparred four guys, two rounds each, they were coming in fresh,” Naji said. “Two were unbeaten pros, one a cruiser and he dealt with all of them.
“Two fights to bring him to 4-0, then look for titles. I’m even looking at taking him abroad. I think his fanbase will grow because he’s an exciting fighter. He can turn it up or down when he wants to turn it up or down.
“Paul ‘Soggy’ Counihan, a very respected trainer, watched him spar and told me, ‘he could win an English or Midlands title right now’. I want to get him winning record fighters now.”
In interview, Mjanja is thoughtful and articulate. He recently told me: “I believe I can go all the way. My main aim is the Midlands title, then the British.”
After that, the world awaits, Naji insists.