To renew, grow and transform - that was the theme for this year's Western Cape Boxing Convention at the Cape Town Lodge Hotel at the weekend.

Top boxers, promoters, managers, trainers and officials attended the convention to discuss concerns, find solutions and develop boxing in the province.

Restoring the dignity of boxing in the country by introducing new infrastructure and finances to develop gyms in previously marginalised areas was a key priority raised.

Boxing SA director of operations, Mandla Ntlanganiso led the convention in a programme filled with speakers. Breakaway sessions looked at professionalism, licences, codes of conduct, marketing and branding.

Boxing SA director of operations, Mandla Ntlanganiso

Boxing SA chairperson, Luthando Jack’s presentation touched on the vision the national board has for boxing as well as how they are working together with the province to uplift boxing in the country.

Director of sport at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), Thabo Tutu presented how the intergovernmental relations framework is geared towards supporting boxing development in the Western Cape.

Long-serving trainers in the province, Zola Koti, flanked by Jongi Kamko, with ring official Clifford Mbeki. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Grassroots Boxing Academy’s Jongi Kamko said the boxing convention detailed solutions to the concerns they had ahead of the event.

“So far the boxing convention has been a success. They touched on the things we came here for. From their logo of ‘renew-grow-transform’ we want to see a lot of amateur boxers making it professional and lifting boxing in the province. A lot of the coaches, boxers and promoters are also here so that is good to see,” he said.

Boxing SA acting CEO, Eric Ntsikayezwe Sithole

Boxing SA - Western Cape manager, Mzoli Tempi gave a critical overview of the province’s performance from January last year.

“There is high hope for the benefit of Western Cape boxing,” he said.

Promoter Jackie Brice said boxing has a special place in his heart. Promoting, growing and transforming the sport is at the core of what they do at his promotion company.

“The young promoters that are there need assistance… Sponsors are going to come, they see what you (BSA) are doing,” he said.

Following the unveiling of the new provincial belts, five-time national gold medalist, Sibulele Amber Sobois, from Khayelitsha, said it is motivation for female boxers to rise up to become champions.

Boxing SA acting CEO, Eric Ntsikayezwe Sithole set the scene with Boxing SA’s turnaround strategy and roadmap for 2023.

The presentation involved five programmes that are geared towards the development of boxing from the grassroots up to when professionals decide to retire.

“The glory days of boxing are back. Let us be patient and execute,” he said.

Former two-times IBF super featherweight champion, Mzonke Fana, with young professional boxers, Zumbonge Nocele, Lwando Mgabi and Maqhawe Damoyi, from the 9SAI boxing academy in Khayelitsha. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele

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