“Bombs Away” boxing tournament taking place on June 23.
Speaking at the “Bombs Away” boxing tournament press conference on June 19, Leijaka said that last year there were only 78 tournaments presented throughout South Africa.
“If we think of where boxing was a few years ago and look at 2018, boxing in South Africa has moved forward,” said chief executive of Boxing South Africa, BSA, Tsholo Leijaka.
Speaking at the “Bombs Away” boxing tournament press conference on June 19, Leijaka said that last year there were only 78 tournaments presented throughout South Africa.
“In 2018 that figure of 78 tournaments of last year has already been passed and it is only the middle of the year.”
“It is a pity that the boxing fans don’t notice that, because most of the tournaments aren’t produced live on TV.”
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk
“But boxing is very much in a good space and it is important for us to keep it going. The three tournaments that Golden Gloves Promotions are putting together make a lot of difference for our boxers in South Africa.”
In the meantime, “Bombs Away” boxing tournament will be the first of the three tournaments taking place on June 23 at Emperors Palace. All the boxers went through their pre-medical examination on Tuesday and were declared fit to participate in the event.
“All the boxers look to have worked hard,” said publicist Brian Mitchell, who resides in the South.
“We’re in line for a great show.”
The second tournament will take place on August 10 while the last will be on September 1.
The main bout of the evening will belong to Thulani Mbenge, who will fight Diego Gabriel Chaves from Argentina for the vacant IBO welterweight belt over 12 rounds.
The bulky Thabiso Mchunu will climb into the ring against Richard “Lion” Bolotnik of the Ukraine to flex his muscles in the International Cruiserweight bout over 10 rounds.
Another exciting boxer out of the Smith’s gymnasium, Rowan Campbell will take on Malkhaz Sujashvili from Georgia. Mbenge and Mchunu are also top notch boxers from the Smith’s gymnasium and brothers, Peter and Sean Smith, will have their hands full on Saturday.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk
The other two bouts will feature Wade Groth vs Andile Mntungwa in a middleweight bout and in the featherweight bout Ayabonga ‘Jay Jay’ Sonjica will take on Tumelo Matsane.
Boxing starts at 7pm. Book your seats with Jeff Ellis on 078 457 3030.
Also Read:
Alida Sequiera raised R13 000 in support of the CHOC foundation
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
