Simba Mushati, Special to ESPN 6y

Wesley McDade promises 'African Lion' performance in Harare

Boxing

Zimbabwe super middleweight boxer Wesley McDade has promised a winning performance when he takes on Michael Ellison of the United Kingdom at the Harare International Conference Centre on Friday evening.

The second edition of the 'UK vs Africa' boxing tournament pits boxers from Great Britain against counterparts from various regions of the African continent, and McDade will be representing Zimbabwe on home soil.

Speaking to KweséESPN this week, McDade said he was in no mood to allow Ellison to disrupt his momentum, after winning his last four fights by knockout.

"I know a bit about Ellison. He is a 6.5, he has had one loss with five wins. He is a tall chap, so we expect a good fight," McDade said.

"But he has come to Africa and he must see the African lion in action."

The 35-year-old added: "This is a welcome opportunity, it's a big opportunity because it puts Zimbabwe on the map in terms of international exposure. I will be representing Zimbabwe as well as Africa in this fight.

"So I am ready for this one, I have been training well, everything has been going according to plan. We are looking forward to the fight and a victory."

McDade has a record of four wins and one defeat in five matches, and attributes his limited activity to the general state of boxing in the country.

"I started when I was young but obviously boxing in Zimbabwe wasn't well developed. I didn't participate in a lot of tournaments. However, I have now become a lot more active," he explained.

"I won the Zimbabwe light-heavyweight title and that was in 2010, but I haven't had an opportunity to defend it or fight for the super middleweight, so it might be the next title that I will be fighting for," he added.

Team UK arrived in Harare on Tuesday, led by former England footballer Stacey Copeland, who will take on South Africa's Mapule Ngubane for the women's Super Welterweight Commonwealth title.

The main draw pits DR Congo's Super Welterweight fighter Emmany Kalombo against Mark Thompson for the WBF intercontinental title.

Zimbabwe's other representative, Tapiwa Tembo, meanwhile is also welcoming the opportunity to perform in front of his home fans when he takes on Marc Leach.

"I'm very confident that I will make my continent and country proud, I'm more than ready. To my Zimbabwean fans, come out in numbers and witness your home boxers showcasing the art of boxing," Tembo said in interview with the Herald newspaper.

The UK vs Africa tournament is sponsored by Kwesé Sports and Kalakoda promotions.

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