Its all systems go for the start of the Gauteng leg of ‘boxing is back’ action packed Friday night fight on SABC
All boxers for the boxing explosion on SABC dubbed ‘boxing is back’ have all arrived and are ready for tomorrow’s fight-night action at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre.
A total of six fights are on the bill with an International title and a Gauteng provincial title on the line. Walter Dlamini takes on Tebogo Molose in a 10 round bout for the Gauteng Middleweight title. Whilst in the main attraction is South Africa’s Klaas Mboyane the current WBO International champion, who takes on Tapiwa Tembo of Zimbabwe in a 10 round brawl for the International Bantamweight title. The title fights will be live on SABC 2 from 21h30 with buildup on channel 404.
Made possible by the SABC, Gauteng Government and Sport Recreation South Africa the mission to restore what was arguably one of the top three popular sports in the country starts here in the home of champions.
Said MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms Molebatsi Bopape, “Gauteng is ready, the boxers are ready and everyone has to be ready. This is the beginning of big things to come. As Gauteng we want to be a leading role-player in hosting and bringing about top boxing action into South Africa and hence we wanted to be the first hosts of the ‘Boxing is Back” initiative with all the partners. In the future we’d like to see big international fights being hosted right here in this province and we are more than ready”.
According to the Honourable Minister for Sports and Recreation South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, “The moment that all South Africans have been waiting for has finally arrived. Friday nights will never be same again. The lifting of the blackout of the champions sport is a milestone that we are going to preserve and further ensure that it remains that way perpetually. This lifting signifies an era of nurturing champions and ensuring that we once more bring back the glory days of Boxing.
‘Boxing is back, is going to be a spectacle that will remain imbedded in all South Africans minds. Our partnership with SABC will once more ensure that we relieve the yesteryears of this sport and further ensure that we popularize athletes in making them the greats of this wonderful game”, said Minister Mbalula.
Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the SABC’s Chief Operations Officer stated “As a public service broadcaster we are excited to be part of this initiative. Boxing fans as well as fighters across the country have been waiting for the return of this much-loved sport to our platform. With the launch of the boxing magazine show ‘The TKO’ which broadcast every Friday on SABC 2 and once a month will feature a live bout, the SABC will be playing a pivotal role in rebuilding this sport which has played a role in nation building.
Other bouts:
Four Rounds Catch-weight 82kg
Jade Karam (SA) VS Yomi Shokunbi (Nigeria)
Six Rounds Junior Middleweight
Hansie Carr (SA) VS Daddy Mpinga (Congo)
Eight Rounds International Welterweight
Jason Bedeman(SA) VS Raymond Kupula (Congo)
Six Rounds Featherweight Women Boxing
Nathaline Banie(SA) VS Raider Muleda (SA)
Media enquiries:
Mr Mickey Modisane
Cell: 082 992 0101
Mr. Kaizer Kganyago
Cell: 082 306 8888
