By Oliver McManus: Boxers come from all paths of life, with a whole host of backgrounds and stories that all culminate with one shared goal – to become champion of the world. I don’t think anyone has quite walked the path of Mac Pemhiwa, however, the honey-loving, anti-knife activist, art-enthusiast, professional boxer. Turning pro on a British Warriors card on June 30th, the journey to professional boxing for Mac has been a long one but now he’s here, aged 28, he’s determined to do himself justice.
Having moved up to Scotland, the fighter looks set to be managed by world-leading MTK and carries an armory of explosive skills with him.
It’s not just in the ring that he’s looking to make a statement, however, as a leading campaigner in raising awareness in gun and knife crime – an issue becoming more and more relevant each day in the United Kingdom – Mac is on his way to recording more than just a win in a ring.
Mac, you’ve announced you’ll be turning professional, no date as of yet, but just how excited are you to begin the journey?
My fight date is 30th June at York Hall I am very excited to start my journey in the pro ranks as any boxer will attest to, it is a hard long journey but can’t wait to get the ball rolling and show-case my talent and do what I was born to do.
You’re a man of incredible fortitude, do you find it easy to remain motivated even when you might be having an off day?
To be honest I don’t find it hard to stay motivated because I stay ready and focus because I know what I want and where I am going. My children Shanice and Christian keep me motivated because of the sacrifices I’ve made to make my dream come true.
Trained by Simon Dempsey, I believe, what’s it like being in the gym with him & it’s looking like you’ll sign with MTK, what’s the main reasoning behind that?
I’ve recently relocated to Edinburgh so I am currently training with some elite amateurs from Scotland just pretty much go back to basics with my training and yes I have been speaking to MTK’s Sam Kynoch and will be looking to come to an agreement very soon.
You are an explosive fighter, 30 fights in the unlicensed game, are you hoping to make some big statements really early on and get your name into the mix?
Yes, very proud and happy with my semi-professional stats in regards of how quickly I came along and the opponents I was beating. I look forward to making the same statements in the professional ranks and make TeamShumba a household name. I think with a good team and support network anything is possible but I know I am the people’s champion I’ve just got to prove it.
Looking at your first 12-18 months in the pro game, then, are you going to set yourself targets as to what you want to achieve?
Yes, I have set myself a few realistic goals I want to achieve within the next 12 -18 months. I would like to obtain an area title and European title within that time.
You’re the founder of Young Lives Matter UK, you’re a leading anti-knife campaigner, just talk to me about what these projects mean to you and how they help transform the lives of young children…
I am involved in a campaign to raise awareness in knife and gun crime which is an issue tearing up our communities and families so we have organised an event called young lives matter which will we held in Southend on 2nd of June and we would love for everyone to be involved and show their support. I am all about educating the next generation and also not forgetting my roots and uplifting my birth country Zimbabwe.
Also a co-founder of an ORGANIC natural honey company called M&R honey which launches on the 20th June and our motto is “THE RENT WE PAY ON EARTH IS OUR SERVICE TO NATURE”
Outside of boxing, again, you have a strong interest in the arts – do you find it important to be able to relax or are you one of those guys in the gym every day?
I am a major fan of art and things the people usually wouldn’t show interesting like rock balancing these are the things that keep me focused and relaxed. I love using all muscles of the body especially the brain it’s very important to read books and feed your brain.
You are 28, at the moment, how long can you see yourself in the game for?
I understand I haven’t got long in the game as I am 28 and some people would right me off but that’s exactly what gives me the drive for success the doubters. I am not gonna give my career a time frame as long I have air in lungs I will always be fighting like I have been my whole life. I am a lion I don’t think I just do.
And finally then mate, what’s your message to the boxing community reading this…
“My message to anyone that’s reading this is don’t let your past determine your future you are in charge of your fate “. Mac Pemhiwa