Xaba proves giant in the promotion stakes
Only last week Boxing Mecca columnist Lonky Witbooi vigorously dispelled the notion that boxing was dead, citing several examples of success including that of Khangelani Jack.
Well, his remarks could not have proven more true after yet another feather in the cap of the sport often seen as the playground of the rich and famous.
This after Xaba Promotions were again bestowed with an accolade when they won the sports administrator of the year honours at the provincial sports and recreation awards in Port Elizabeth last weekend.
The award does not only belong to them but to boxing at large and it reinforces the argument that there is much more going right for the sport than people care to admit.
For the promotion led by Ayanda Matiti to beat other sporting codes for the honour is remarkable although those who have been following XP operations are not overly surprised.
XP has been collecting awards like a chameleon’s tongue shooting out at ants and crickets.
In May they were bestowed with the IBF Intercontinental award in Italy, which was a major feat for boxing at large in the land.
Some may look at the achievement with a critical eye but if one understands the magnitude of beating other promoters in the whole world even the biggest detractor has to give credit where it is due.
The IBF honour came just after the promotion also won the promoter of the year award at the national boxing awards in Port Elizabeth in February.
Add the IBF Africa, Middle East and Persian Gulf trophy they won last year and one can be excused for imagining that their trophy cabinet must be running out of space.
XP have not been in existence for long but already they have established themselves as the premier boxing promotion in the world.
They are arguably the best blackowned promotion company on the continent and that should bode well for local boxing talent when it has a platform to operate on.
While XP are no doubt a cross over sporting company, boxing will always claim their success and boast about it.
After all boxing is renowned for jealously guarding its own product.
Well done XP!!!