Covid-19 pandemic knocks out boxers and promoters
In these tough economic times, imagine what sportsmen and women are going through. In this case, professional boxers relying on promoters for fights in order to earn a living. It becomes a sorry state of affairs because promoters are also crying out for financial assistance.
Five companies – Golden Gloves, TLB Promotion, Tono Promotion, Insane and DMZ Sotobe Promotions – had their tournaments postponed by Boxing SA due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced in March that: “Athletes and coaches whose livelihoods have been affected by the cancellation of sporting events due to the coronavirus will receive assistance from the government.”
Gauteng promoter Tshele Kometsi says some boxers called him seeking financial assistance he could not provide as only a few have full-time jobs, with some turning to training private clients to make a few bucks.
“I applied and I was told that I must apply through small business because the relief fund was for athletes. I did not apply through small business because it will not get me anywhere,” said Kometsi.
“I want to know how is Boxing SA going to help boxers, how are they planning to help boxers going forward. Is Boxing SA going to speak to the Sports Ministry on behalf of boxers? They too are athletes who deserve to be assisted.”
Kometsi made it clear, though, that these were his personal views and he does not represent other promoters. He then pleaded with South Africans in general to respect the lockdown regulations.
“Our business as boxing promoters is dependent on social gatherings. I plead with South Africans to respect the regulations so that we can go back to work. As long as people are not complying, there will be no ring action, no boxing tournaments,” he said.