Monica Mkandla produced a commanding display to defeat Thema Zuma by unanimous decision in a bantamweight non-title bout at Emperor’s Palace in South Africa on Saturday.
The contest, part of the Sole Survivor tournament, saw the reigning Female Boxer of the Year dictate the pace from the opening bell, controlling the fight with precision and composure to preserve her unbeaten professional record.
Nicknamed “Savage,” the Gwanda-bred fighter extended her flawless run to 9-0, strengthening her reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-rising boxing talents.
The victory comes just days after Mkandla earned another nomination for the Annual National Sports Awards Female Boxer of the Year accolade, with the ceremony scheduled for May.
Holding the African Boxing Union (ABU) SADC bantamweight title, Mkandla displayed growing ring maturity, combining discipline with sharp tactical awareness to outbox her opponent across all rounds.
Zuma, known as “Stone Cold,” brought experience and resilience into the bout but struggled to cope with Mkandla’s speed, accuracy and sustained pressure.
