After a long-standing ban, boxing will make a triumphant return to Zanzibar with the historic first fight in almost six decades. The ban, imposed in the 1960s by the island’s first President Abedi Amani Karume, citing cultural reasons, was finally lifted, aligning with current President Hussein Mwinyi’s strategic push to promote tourism and sports development. This landmark event not only signifies a new era for Zanzibari sports enthusiasts but also supports the government’s broader goals of attracting foreign investors and tourists.
The much-anticipated bout will take place at the iconic Mao Tse Tung Stadium on Sunday, marking a major milestone for Zanzibar’s boxing community. Local stars are set to take center stage, with Hamis Muay Thai, a former kickboxing champion, making his boxing debut against Ibrahim Mjender in an eight-round non-title lightweight fight. Additionally, Musa Nassor “Banja,” another promising local talent, will exchange blows with Dullah Mbabe from the mainland. The event will showcase a total of eight boxing matches, including an exciting clash between charismatic Tanzanian boxer Karim Mandonga and Zanzibar’s own Osman Muller Junior.
The ban on boxing stemmed from President Karume’s perception that the sport was inhumane and meant only for animals, a viewpoint influenced by the revolution that ended the Sultan of Zanzibar’s rule in January 1964. However, the ban did not extend to Tanzania’s mainland, highlighting the contrasting views on boxing within the newly formed United Republic of Tanzania. Recent research conducted in 2021 revealed that over 60% of the Zanzibari population supported the return of boxing, reflecting a changing perspective on the sport’s cultural significance.
President Mwinyi’s Blue Economy policy, centered around tourism and sport, welcomes the revival of boxing as a means to attract international attention and investment. This newfound focus on sports development aligns with the appointment of British female boxer Natasha Jones as an honorary ambassador for Zanzibar in sport tourism. Jones, a distinguished champion boxer, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to represent the people of Zanzibar diligently while promoting the island’s unique offerings.
Although the boxers will not compete for prize money, they have been paid their participation fees, ensuring fair compensation for their hard work and dedication. Furthermore, the event will be broadcast live on television, offering a global audience the chance to witness Zanzibar’s boxing renaissance. The excitement surrounding the revival of boxing extends beyond the participants and spectators, as aspiring young boxers like Halka Ahmed, a promising content creator, eagerly anticipate the chance to pursue professional boxing careers in Zanzibar.
Local business owners, such as Sandaland Omari, a sports-shop proprietor, view the reintroduction of boxing as a historic move that will create new opportunities and invigorate the local economy. By opening its doors to the world, Zanzibar aims to attract more foreign investors and tourists, capitalizing on its natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. With President Mwinyi’s emphasis on tourism and sport, the revival of boxing serves as a catalyst for achieving these goals, showcasing Zanzibar’s potential to be a thriving destination for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike.
As Zanzibar prepares to break the chains of a six-decade-long ban on boxing, the impact of this historic event should not be underestimated. Beyond the realm of sports, it represents the triumph of cultural reevaluation, progressive leadership, and the pursuit of economic growth. With the stage set for an unforgettable boxing spectacle, Zanzibar embraces a future where sports and tourism intertwine, shaping a new narrative of prosperity and opportunity.