Can the new, cheap boxing belt inspire Sinyabi to win?
NATIONAL champions of yester-year used to fight for the prestigious Old Buck belts, which was held in high esteem and adorned with golden old buck horns.
But is the current South African boxing title worth risking one’s life or even a career?
In the past, champions were obliged to defend those belts three times before they could become rightful owners. It was a mammoth task because every contender in the top 10 was a potential champion.
Those belts were worth thousands of rands and they inspired every youngster to become South African boxing champions.
Distell (which produced Old Buck Gin) used to sponsor boxing until 2008 when their withdrawal meant that BSA has to find an alternative manufacture for the national belts. The new belts are made of cheap zinc. Current SA featherweight champion Mabhuti “Macman” Sinyabi will put his strap on line in a fight that might be a career-deciding bout for him against Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile at Orient Theatre on September 30.
Sinyabi is well over 30 years while Fuzile is a mere 20 years. Sinyabi will need all the experience he gained throughout the years to successfully defend his pride, dignity, reputation and, most importantly, his professional career.
Sinyabi from Mdantsane has been a successful boxer since 2006. He has held the SA junior featherweight belt that he defended nine times before losing it to Thabo Sonjica.
But his skills are fading. His power, which saw him drop 20 of his 29 victims, has also deserted him, while his legs tend to tire.
In the event Sinyabi emerges victorious, Fuzile will still pick up the broken pieces and soldier on.
The truth though is that Sinyabi could have easily vacated the national title, continue defending his IBO international belt and make money.
That is because risking his illustrious career against a young, energetic, awkward and powerful foe like Fuzile for a worthless belt is not a clever business move.
Fuzile is still wet behind the ears as a professional boxer, having won all his four bouts. But he has had a glittering amateur career.