Boxing awards give BSA officials ‘big headache’

THE stiff competition for Boxing SA’s 2016 trainer of the year is a huge task for the six-member committee to determine the winners in most of the 17 categories.

Trainers Colin Nathan and Keith Rass (both from Johannesburg) and East Londoner Mzamo Njekanye are contesting for the “Oscar”.

The winners will be crowned in Durban on January 27.

Nathan, Rass and Njekanye were nominated by the public.

Nathan hones the skills of SA light heavyweight champion Ryno Liebenberg, IBO mini flyweight holder Simpiwe Konkco, WBA Pan African junior flyweight holder Hekkie Budler, SA welterweight champion Sean Ness, as well as Xolisani Ndongeni.

Rass did wonders with the supposedly washed-up Gideon Buthelezi who went on to win the IBO junior bantamweight belt and a single defence. Rass also guided Bongani Mahlangu to victory and two defences of the SA junior featherweight belt. Rass’s stable also has Gauteng junior lightweight champion Prince Dlomo.

Njekanye trains youngsters as well as SA and WBC Youth featherweight holder Azinga Fuzile and Eastern Cape featherweight champion Aphiwe Masangwana.

A new chapter was also added to the history books of local boxing when Andre Thysse and Brendan Thysse became the first father and son to be nominated in the same year. Thysse senior is a promoter under Real Steel. He will contest the promoter of the year award with Ayanda Matiti of Xaba Promotions and Events and Showtime Promotion’s boss Mbali Zantsi.

Thysse junior was nominated for the prospect’s award. He will be up against Fuzile and newly-crowned ABU welterweight holder Thulani Mbenge. Thysse, Fuzile and Mbenge are yet to lose fights in their promising careers.