Boxing revival now a reality in KZN

UTHUNGULU boxers Zamafuze Ngcobo and Mduduzi Mzimela picked up the Best Male and Female Boxers Awards at the KZN Boxing Tournament held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban over the weekend.

The two-day event was hosted by the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation in conjunction with the KZN Open Style Boxing Federation and Boxing Promoters in efforts to revive boxing at a national level.

The tournament featured 80 fights in the open style amateur division and 20 professional fights.

This event was one of many that KZN Boxing is running to revitalise the sport.

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula announced last week the return of boxing on national television.

The re-building of boxing in the province is led by MEC for Sport and Recreation, Ntombikayise-Sibhidla Saphetha.

The Department’s efforts were commended by the President of the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABA), Andile Mofu who highlighted KZN’s recent successes in open boxing as an indication that the province was taking the lead position previously held by the Eastern Cape.

Since last year KZN has won the schools boxing event and the National Junior Championships.

Awards

Best male and female boxers – Zamafuze Ngcobo (female) and Mduduzi Mzimela (male) of the uThungulu District

Best coaches – Sifiso Ngiba and Letho Sibiy.

Best Team – Ethekwini

Best Judges – Vama Shabalala and Buyi Buthelezi.

Best referee – Gijima Phakathi.