By Staff Reporter
NKOWANKOWA-With Boxing deemed to be a dying sport Hlanganisa Sports Promotion is set to host the first-ever professional boxing tournament in Tzaneen, Nkowankowa on Sunday, November 13.
James Mathonsi, Event Manager, says the plans are ongoing to promote the historic event in Tzaneen and that people are happy to have such an event in the area.
“Everybody is excited to have the first professional boxing tournament in Tzaneen, we already started with loud hailing in Nkowankowa and Burgersdorp where one of our boxers comes from,” said Mathonsi.
Seven bouts are expected to take place, with one South African title fight, one Provincial title, two International Non-title and three extra bouts.
“People should expect one of the best fights in Tzaneen and remember there is a girl who is challenging for the South African title, it’s a big fight because it’s a South African title and it’s for the first time in Tzaneen and the first time in our province for a female challenging for a national title”
We also have provincial titles and we have two boxers coming in for the first time fighting for provincial titles.
“People in Tzaneen should come in and support their boxers that are being produced, developed and promoted from Tzaneen but are training in Gauteng,” he said.
However, Mathonsi called for the government to support the event to revive the sport to its former glory
“It means that the municipality should open its hands to support boxing in the area. There is a belief that the Eastern cape is the best in boxing but it’s not true it’s because the Municipalities support boxing.
They don’t have a problem. We expect people from Tzaneen to come and say this is what we got to assist you. We need a lot of support.” He said
He further said the tournament would serve as an eye-opener to the people of Tzaneen and more fights staged in the area if this event is well supported.
Next year they plan to bring a world title fight to Tzaneen.
