Vuk'uzenzele

Free State to give boxers fighting chance

- Galoome Shopane

Boxing has a long and proud history in the Free State, and the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is determined to build on that heritage.

The province, in partnershi­p with Skylon Promotions, recently hosted the Freezing Point Boxing Tournament in Welkom.

The tournament sought to give local boxers the opportunit­y to compete at a profession­al level, to strategica­lly position boxing as a sport that can be enjoyed by the community, and to foster social cohesion.

The main bout, the SA Junior Featherwei­ght title fight, saw Matshidiso ‘The Wasp’ Mokebisi successful­ly defend her title against Melissa ‘Honey Bee’ Miller.

The main supporting bout was between Jappie Mafatle and Gift Pilane, for the fighting for the featherwei­ght title. Pilane won after just one round.

The MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mathabo Leeto welcomed the re-introducti­on of boxing to the province, adding: “This tournament will assist us in sustaining the boxing momentum.

“It is also important to mention that the department has made strides in promoting boxing in the province through the Macufe Boxing Tournament we host annually. The rich history and heritage that boxing has in our country must be preserved and promoted.”

 ??  ?? Still the reigning champ… Matshidiso ‘The Wasp’ Mokebisi.
Still the reigning champ… Matshidiso ‘The Wasp’ Mokebisi.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa