Boxing awards ready for liftoff
Legendary Mitchell to have a say in deciding winners for the PE gala
For an area known for its penchant for boxing, the Port Elizabeth Airport was like a ghost town yesterday, as one could not tell that the Eastern Cape city will host Boxing SA’s awards tonight.
Even former dual world boxing champion Brian Mitchell looked bemused after touching down, greeted only by strong winds after an hour-and-a-half flight from Johannesburg.
Tonight’s gala in Port Elizabeth will be the first boxing awards to take place in Eastern Cape since the new Boxing SA Act of 2001 came into being.
“There is only one East London and you would be feeling the vibe of the awards,” said Mitchell.
He is one of the seven members of the awards adjudicating committee tasked with deciding the winners in the 16 categories this morning.
The decision to pick category winners was left to the eleventh hour to avoid the list being leaked like last year, when some nominees knew the outcome.
The night at Boardwalk Casino will be about defining moments to fight fans who have voted for their favourite individuals in different categories.
Credit to SABC after the national broadcaster is reported to have bailed out this year’s awards following discussions between the sports ministry, BSA and the SABC on Tuesday.
“Boxing will regain its popularity,” said Mitchell.
Eastern Cape MEC for sports Pemmy Majodina said: “This province has produced worldrenowned boxers globally and we are more than ready to stage this year’s edition of the awards.
“When boxing was experiencing a dry season in terms of support, the Eastern Cape continued to be a leading province in making sure that boxing tournaments are well attended in large numbers.”
Unsurprising- ly, a number of the nominees for major awards are from the province.
BSA chief executive Tsholofelo Lejaka said: “We have formed a great partnership with the Eastern Cape department of sport, arts and culture and we have been working closely for the last couple of weeks in planning the awards. We are confident that we will deliver a great show.”
The male and female boxer of the year category will be closely contested as it features a star-studded line-up.
Zolani Tete, Azinga Fuzile, Thulani Mbenge and Kevin Lerena will battle for the coveted male gong, while Mapule Ngubane, Bukiwe Nonina and Noni Tenge have been nominated for the best female boxer award.
‘‘ There is only one East London and you would be feeling the vibe of the awards.