Newly crowned IBF Minimum Weight World Champion Beaven Sibanda is riding high both in and out of the ring after receiving a lavish gift from flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo—a brand-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class and a cash reward of US$10,000.
The gesture came as a surprise to many and left the young boxing sensation elated. Sibanda, who recently made headlines after clinching the international boxing title, could hardly contain his excitement and gratitude as he took to social media on Tuesday to express what he described as a life-changing moment.
“It’s no longer a dream, it has actually happened. Woooooow!!!” Sibanda wrote. “Glory to God. I own a car now and my big boss, my mom, gets to celebrate with me.”
The boxer shared photos and videos of himself celebrating with his new vehicle, his radiant mother by his side, as friends and fans flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages. The moment, he said, marked not only a personal achievement but a milestone for his entire family.
In a heartfelt message directed at Chivayo, Sibanda poured out his appreciation for the unexpected act of generosity. “I’m super, super grateful @sir_wicknell. To be blessed by you really shows how big your heart is, considering you didn’t even know who I was, and yet you still did such a gesture. I pray God keeps blessing you.”
World Champion Beaven Sibanda Celebrates Generous Gift from Wicknell Chivayo
The gesture from Chivayo came as part of his recent trend of rewarding outstanding Zimbabwean athletes and public figures. Known for his philanthropic and headline-making gifts to rising stars, Chivayo has previously handed out luxury vehicles and large cash incentives to musicians, athletes, and public servants he believes are raising Zimbabwe’s profile on the world stage.
In Sibanda’s case, the recognition followed his triumphant performance in a grueling championship bout that earned him the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimum weight title. The win has been hailed as a major breakthrough for Zimbabwean boxing, placing Sibanda firmly on the global map and serving as inspiration for a new generation of athletes.
“I’m highly motivated to work hard and secure more big wins and titles,” Sibanda said. “To all my friends, fans, family, and team—prepare to be bothered by my peep, peep!”
The “Peep, peep” is a playful reference to his new set of wheels, and fans have already picked up on the catchphrase as part of Sibanda’s growing personal brand.
Sibanda, affectionately known by fans as “The One,” has become a symbol of perseverance and hope for many aspiring boxers in Zimbabwe. Raised in modest circumstances, his rise through the national boxing ranks to international stardom has been nothing short of inspiring. He has often credited his family, particularly his mother, for supporting his journey during the early years when resources were scarce and recognition even scarcer.
In his social media post, Sibanda was quick to note that the moment belonged as much to his family and team as it did to him. “My big boss, my mom, gets to celebrate with me,” he repeated, underlining the communal spirit behind his success.
The luxury car and cash gift have only amplified his profile, attracting attention from not only the boxing world but also corporate sponsors and the general public. Many are now calling on the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation to officially recognize Sibanda’s achievement and further invest in grassroots sports to identify and nurture more talents like him.
Meanwhile, Chivayo’s role as a patron of young achievers continues to stir debate. While some applaud him for uplifting local heroes, others question the sustainability and selection criteria of his high-profile donations. Still, for Sibanda and his growing fan base, the gesture is a welcome reward and a strong motivator.
“He deserves it,” wrote one user on social media. “We always hear of athletes suffering in silence. It’s about time someone gave them their flowers while they can still smell them.”
With momentum building and his career on the rise, Beaven Sibanda now sets his sights on defending his title and chasing even greater boxing glory. “This is only the beginning,” he promised.
Indeed, for the young champion and his ever-louder “Peep, peep,” the road ahead looks both bright and promising.
