BOXING fans were in for a treat over the weekend when 38 boxing bouts by local pugilists took centre stage in the Chris Hani month boxing tournament at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sport Centre on Saturday.
Chris Hani Amateur Boxing Organisation (Chabo) secretary, Mabhuti Mapeyi, said although the sport was not officially included as part of the Chris Hani month celebrations, the organisers were pleased with the turnout.
“We hope that boxing will be included in the calendar next year.” It was the elite boxers, from age 19 up, who had the fans on their feet. Sinethemba Mbebe lost to Luxolo Apolisi, Siyamthanda Vellem beat Anele Damane, and in the woman’s elite bout, Makandunyiswe Ncwenza had the better of Bridget Yola.
Mapeyi said he was, however, disappointed by the number of elite boxers who showed ill-discipline.“Some elite boxers do not have discipline, despite the fact that they stand a good chance of benefitting from opportunities. Once we give them compliments and they start appearing in the newspaper, they become big- headed,” he said.
He said the local boxing fraternity was hoping to nurture professional boxers who would, in the future, compete in the Olympics.Boxers have already started preparing for the district trials which will be hosted in Komani on May 20.
Mapeyi said 20 boxers who had the potential to represent the area at the provincial championships to be held in Port Elizabeth and Komani in June, were identified.“We want to see our boys make it to the provincial and national teams.”
