Ex-Zim boxer Hokonya wins on EFC debut

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Simbarashe Hokonya celebrates after his victory in South Africa on Thursday evening

South Africa-based boxer-turned Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Simbarashe “The Hawk” Hokonya began his career in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) on a high following a unanimous decision win over South African Tshepo Majuba on Thursday.

The 24-year–old Zimbabwean rising star was announced the winner via a unanimous points decision over Majuba, who now has three losses in four fights.

“I really want to thank my coaches Temba Gorimbo and Dermate Pena for their support. When I came here to South Africa I wanted to continue with boxing but as I started training with them they gave me the confidence that I can achieve great things in MMA,” Hokonya said.
“This was my first fight in MMA, I didn’t go through the amateur ranks since I was already a professional boxer. I’m happy that I started well and I would to have more fights before I challenge for a title fight. Ultimately I would like to win a title fight and later go for the prestigious UFC and follow in the footsteps of my coach Temba.”

Hailing from St Mary’s in Chitungwiza, Hokonya first enrolled as an amateur boxer with a local stable, Box Africa, through which he graduated into the professional ranks under the tutelage of Jeremiah Chiyangwa.

He fought six pro fights, won five by way of knockout and drew one before migrating to South Africa where he switched from boxing to EFC under the tutelage of renowned Zimbabwean MMA fighter Temba Gorimbo, a former EFC welterweight champion.

Another Zimbabwean Tapiwa “The Mighty Warrior” Katikati also won on the night when he forced Zambian Robert Simbowe into submission, via the Guillotine choke.

Nicholas Hwende, who holds the EFC Bantamweight title, had his defence fight postponed.

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