Dar es Salaam. Undefeated world boxing champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford has agreed to become the patron of Dunda, Tanzania’s professional boxing league, which aims to discover and develop emerging talent in the country.
Crawford attended the launch of the league and the selection trials for boxers seeking places in the competition, which is scheduled to begin later this year in Dar es Salaam.
The league is being organised in collaboration with the Tanzania Professional Boxing Regulatory Commission (TPBRC) and radio station Times FM as part of efforts to strengthen the development of the sport and create opportunities for talented boxers to gain recognition locally and internationally.
Crawford, an American boxer who has won world titles across multiple weight divisions, attended the league’s launch in Dar es Salaam on May 25, 2026.
He also took part in the preliminary selection trials held in Dar es Salaam on October 3 and 4, 2026, where hundreds of boxers turned up to showcase their abilities before experienced judges. TPBRC vice-president Jacob Mbuya confirmed that Crawford would serve as the league’s patron when the competition begins later this year.
‘As the patron and international ambassador of Dunda, Crawford is expected to help promote and develop emerging boxing talent,’ Mbuya said, adding that the league was preparing to move into its official competition phase.
He said the selection process had already been completed and that successful candidates would be announced in November, alongside the official start date, competition format and fight schedule.
‘As I said, the boxers who pass the trials will compete in this league.
The aim is to provide regular bouts for local boxers, helping them gain experience, build their records and prepare for higher levels of professional boxing internationally,’ he said.
On Crawford’s role, Mbuya said the organisers believed his experience, achievements and reputation in professional boxing would inspire participants and help them pursue opportunities on the international stage.