Thysse lands sucker punch at BSA awards
OLIVER McCall’s secondround knockout win over Lennox Lewis in 1994 was not as surprising as Andre Thysse’s victory for BSA promoter of 2016 award on Friday night.
Just like the short right that stopped the champ in 94, Thysse’s knockout blow came out of nowhere, flooring hot favourites Ayanda Matiti and Mbali “Don Queen” Zantsi to the BSA crown during the awards ceremony that took place at Durban’s Convention Centre.
Shock was written all over Thysse’s face.
“I thought it was a mistake,” he said yesterday.
“I got up slowly because I still did not believe it was mine. Even now it has not yet dawned [on] my mind.
“People are calling and congratulating me and I don’t know what to say to them because I still do not believe that I won this award.”
The former SA and Commonwealth super middleweight champion from Boksburg said he would upgrade his licence to that of an international promoter from being a national licence holder.
“I believe this award is bringing new, bigger challenges, so I must be in a perfect position to step up my game,” he said.
BSA boxer of the year Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni feels the same way as Thysse.
“It was not easy competing with Zolani Tete and Simpiwe Konkco,” he said.
“This achievement will motivate me to work even harder than before so that I win more titles and more awards.”
Female boxer of the year Bukiwe “Anaconda” Nonina said she was expecting to be crowned anyway.
“I did my best last year. I am now looking forward to my world title fight on March 31,” she said.
“But thanks to everyone who nominated me and also my manager Immanuel Neluende.”
It was the first time since 2011 that the BSA awards gala was held.