Matiti feels on top of the world
Top East London boxing promoter Ayanda Matiti scored a double triumph at the weekend when he was voted the best sports administrator at the Eastern Cape Sports awards held in Port Elizabeth.
Just when he was still basking in the glory of the accolade, Matiti’s Xaba Promotions (XP), gained another SA champion when his charge Athi Dumezweni sensationally knocked out Lindile Tshemese to win the junior-bantamweight title Mdantsane Indoor Centre.
Winning the provincial award came hot on the heels of his recent achievement when he won the IBF Intercontinental award in the IBF Convention in Italy in May this year.
Commenting on the award, Matiti said it could not have come at a better time when the country was celebrating the life of icons such as Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu.
“It was a great honour for Xaba Promotions to receive an award for its small contribution in the world of boxing locally and on the international front,” said Matiti.
What made the award special at was the fact that it was the only one to be won by a boxing individual. The other nominees from boxing were Zolani Tete and amateur Siyabulela Mpongoshe who were both nominated in the Sportsman of the Year award.
Both lost out for the award to long jumper Luvo Manyonga for both the Sportsman of the Year and Sports Star of the Year awards.
The triumph of Matiti saved the day for boxing and further entrenched his reputation as the best to emerge in the province.
Matiti added that such accolades inspire him to soldier on despite stumbling blocks and not be scared to execute ideas.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank our boxers, champions, boxing family, partners and the sponsors and all those who have made it possible for us to be one of the shining stars in the world of boxing,” he added.
Other awards Matiti has won include 2017 Boxing SA Promoter of the Year, 2016 IBF Africa, Middle East and Persian Gulf Promoter of the Year.