Fighters undergo premedicals as boxing returns
The first phase of the return of boxing action played out at the Scenery Park community hall in East London on Wednesday when Sibabaliwe Gwebityala underwent the premedical test for her provincial title clash.
Gwebityala will face Zizo Sikoti for the vacant junior-flyweight crown at the same venue on Saturday.
The show will mark the return of boxing in the province since it was locked down by the legal impasse between promoters and sports minister Zizi Kodwa.
However, tournaments have since been given the green light, with East London hosting the sixth leg of the Women in Boxing Series.
This was initially scheduled to be held in December but was postponed to this Saturday.
Gwebityala was within the limit and was given a clean bill of health paving the way for the highly anticipated clash against Sikoti in a battle of knockout specialists.
Fight promoter Monica Goci of Ola GGM Promotions said preparations for the event were almost completed.
“It gives me great pleasure to lead the way in boxing’s return to the province and we have left no stone unturned to ensure that fans enjoy their sport,” she said.
Sikoti could not be present at Wednesday’s premedical, with her test being done in Cape Town where she is based.
However, Goci said the results of her tests were sent to her.
Gwebityala, who was already brandishing the belt as her own, vowed to ensure that it remained with her after Saturday.
“There is no way that she can beat me and I will show her who is the boss,” she said.
She will come to the fight with a perfect fight record of two bouts.
Other boxers fighting in the fourbout tournament are expected to arrive before Friday’s weigh-in.*