Tete eyes more after top award
higher internationally for the world to continue giving deserved respect to the country that produced the world politician champion, Nelson Mandela. “I dedicate my boxer of the year award as well as the special achievement to my parents and obviously my team, manager, trainers and the people who nominated me for all this.”
Tete’s calf injury has forced his mandatory defence against Omar Narvaez to be postponed. The fight was to take place at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday. Tete’s manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, won that category’s award.
In the women section, history was made when WBF bantamweight champion Bukiwe “Anaconda” Nonina retained the same award which she won in Durban last year.
An ambitious teenager driven by desire, Nonina sacrificed the comfort of her home in Idutywa in the Eastern Cape to relocate to Giyani to pursue her dream. She teamed up with then unknown trainer Immanuel Mutavhatsindi, who guided her to the SA title. Together they defended it five times.
Nonina, 26, said: “I want to thank my parents, who allowed me to pursue my dream. It was like madness when I left home, but my parents gave me their blessings and now we are reaping the fruits.”
Other winners: Male prospect of the year:
ABU lightweight champion Lunga Sitemela Smangele
Female prospect of the year: Female ring official of the year: Male ring official of the year: Male fight of the year:
Deon Dwarte IBO junior bantamweight championship between Gideon Buthelezi and Angel Aviles
WBF junior middleweight bout between holder Noni Tenge and Mapule Ngubane
Lerato Dlamini knocking out Sinethemba Bam in the seventh round for the IBF Youth featherweight belt
Female fight of the year: Knockout of the year: Most promising promoter of the year: Promoter of the year: Special achievement award:
Tete, Joy Greyvenstein (female fan) and Nick Lourens (independent photographer)
Lifetime achievement award: