BoxingbonanzainDurban

Top continental boxers to compete at the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup

The inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup 2024 is set to take place in Durban from April 15-21 at the International Convention Centre (ICC).

More than 360 boxers from 41 nations are to take part in this exciting competition named after the great South African leader, activist and advocate for peace, Nelson Mandela.

African boxing is rapidly gaining momentum and this event is a great testimony to the growing prospects of the athletes from the continent, according to International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev.

In co-operation with the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) and the South African National Boxing Organisation (Sanabo), the IBA is excited to announce that the plans are in motion for this remarkable competition. The prize fund for the event is $500 000 (R9,3 million).

The IBA gecretary-general and CEO, Chris Roberts OBE, said this event will put African boxing in the spotlight on the international arena as the strongest boxers on the continent, including world champions and medallists, are registered to come.

Local organising committee head Aleck Skhosana said the preparations are going well and the ICC will be ready to accommodate thousands of spectators during six exciting competition days.

The Mandela African Boxing Cup is Kremlev’s brainchild, and this will be the best way to celebrate the values of unity which Mandela stood for, as he once said: “Sport has the power to change the world, it has the power to inspire.”

Sanabo, along with the local oreThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda ganising committee, will aim to showcase the best of Africa’s boxing talent in remembering the contribution made by Madiba, who loved boxing.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa endorsed the competition. In a letter, the minister said he “wished the IBA, Sanabo, eThekwini Municipality, the KZNDSAC and all other partners and participants only the best for this competition”.

The IBA remains resolute that this prestigious event will continue to unite the extended boxing community across the African continent as the father of the nation Mandela had hoped.

The office of the KZN premier, Nomusa Dube Ncube, said the province was proud of its world-class facilities and confident that the already availed support by the office will go a long way in ensuring that this millstone occasion is memorable for all participating African countries.

“We are delighted to be the host city for the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup. We want to extend our appreciation to the International Boxing Association (IBA) in association with the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) and the South African National Boxing Organisation for choosing the city of Durban for this momentous occasion” said the eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda. — Sanabo.