Promoters in court bid over boxing

Promoters are asking the courts to shut down boxing in SA, arguing it is being run illegally.

But the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA) said in papers before the high court in Pretoria that the sport could resume normally and quickly if they and sport minister Zizi Kodwa hammer out an agreement.

Having had the Boxing SA board appointed by Kodwa interdicted in December, the promoters now argue the latest move to keep the sport running is unlawful. Kodwa did not oppose that NPBPA application.

Kodwa last month appointed acting CEO Mandla Ntlanganiso as accounting authority, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, to effectively replace the board on a temporary basis.

The Boxing Act states the board must appoint the sanctioning and ratings committees, which are necessary for the professional game to operate.

But in papers before the high court the NPBPA argues that the appointment of Ntlanganiso as accounting authority by the ministers of sport and finance was “irregular and invalid to the extent that it carries and/or confers in any way, shape or form upon [Ntlanganiso] the powers to sanction boxing fights/tournaments”.

The NPBPA also wants the court to rule that sanctioning of fights and tournaments by Boxing SA is “unlawful and invalid”.

The association, chaired by Ayanda Matiti, further wants the court to order Kodwa to meet the NPBPA within five days of this order “and establish ... a temporary/interim solution that will see boxing taking place in a legitimate manner”.

Neither Kodwa’s office nor Boxing SA could immediately confirm if the court action would be opposed.