Komani boxers gear up to turn pro

WITH the Chris Hani Amateur Boxing Organisation (CHABO) set to host the Mandela 100th celebration boxing tournament at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre in Komani tomorrow and the news that four boxers from the area are set to turn professional next month, it seems that a tidal wave of change is set to sweep the sport in the area.

The tournament, which will honour the late President Nelson Mandela two days after what would have been his 100th birthday, will have juniors boxing from 8am and elite boxers starting at noon.

CHABO secretary Mahbuti Mapeyi said the organisation had not produced a professional boxer in the past 10 years – but things were about to change. Pugilists Thimna Ntetha, Sinethemba Mbebe, Athule Mpangele and Bongani Thole have their sights set on becoming professional.

“We are preparing for the boxers to receive their professional licences which will allow them to fight professional bouts.”

The Rep reported, ('Lack of sponsors floors pro boxers,' April 7, 2017) which indicated that professional boxer Loyiso Kewuti, originally from Ugie, had left Komani for Cape Town to seek better opportunities.

Mapeyi said three coaches had attended a provincial boxing and national coaching clinic in East London last week, with the provincial clinic organised by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) with the national clinic hosted by SANABO.