Boxing queens can prove point

THE national sports department, SABC, KwaZulu-Natal government and Boxing SA are unanimous in their verdict that the all-female boxing tournament in Durban on Friday will prove that female pugilists are as capable as their male counterparts.

The tournament, dubbed “Queens of War”, will take place at Olive Convention Centre. It will pave the way for a two-day seminar that will be conducted by the sports department and BSA, a continuation of the first leg that took place in Pretoria in December.

“We are ready for a boxing razzmatazz that will see all women do their thing,” said Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula. “As I have previously said, our objective is to ensure that women are not excluded and are given equal footing with their male counterparts.”

MEC for sport in KwaZulu Natal, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, said: “This tournament is in line with our commitment to revive boxing in the province. ”

Topping the bill will be Noni “She Bee Stingin’” Tenge ’ s defence of her WBF junior middleweight belt against Szilvia Szabados from Hungary. Tenge, a former WBF and IBF welterweight champion, won the belt in December.

SA middleweight champion Mapule Ngubane will defend against Esther Mashiya in what promises to be a grudge fight. They have fought three times already and Ngubane has beaten her foe twice.

Bukiwe Nonina’s bantamweight strap will be up for grabs against Matshidiso Mokebisi.