Widespread boxer inactivity across South Africa has driven the rise of young female promoters in several provinces. Provinces such as the Free State, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal have seen the presence of female promoters, with some having organised tournaments. This new wave of promoters aims to bring much-needed activity to the sport.
Mdantsane's Sisanda Matshoba has launched Sisonke Sisa Production to promote grassroots talent from the famed Sisonke Boxing Club. The promotion aims to stage bouts by December to safeguard the lofty rankings of top fighters like Abongile Jacob. Matshoba's company will focus on promoting boxing at a development level, working with other boxing clubs while concentrating on giving opportunities to boxers training at the Sisonke Boxing Club.
The Sisonke Boxing Club is renowned for producing a slew of talent, including champions such as Siyakholwa Kuse, who remains the only one in the province to win the coveted WBC title. The club also boasts SA junior-bantamweight champion Moyisi Booi, SA junior-flyweight contender Abongile Jacob, and scores of amateur boxers who won medals at the national championships in Cape Town in July.
However, the biggest challenge facing these boxers is the lack of fighting opportunities, with Jacob at risk of surrendering his lofty rating. Matshoba said plans are afoot to bring Jacob back by December to save his rating, which is expected to improve to the top spot. Matshoba's promotion company was launched to develop talent in the amateur and professional ranks.
Sisonke Sisa Production has applied to host events under the Women in Boxing and Steve Tshwete boxing series. The company has tendered for the provincial Women In Boxing Series, with the winning promoter expected to be announced by the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture. It has also applied for the Steve Tshwete Boxing Series, which is expected to take place in Mpumalanga on November 21.
Boxing SA chief executive officer Tsholofelo Lejaka said that though promoters for the series were yet to be announced, the focus would be on young ones who are yet to make their mark in the industry. "We want these tournaments to serve as an apprenticeship for both young promoters and ring officials," he said. This approach aims to provide opportunities for emerging promoters and officials.
Sisanda Matshoba, the daughter of former professional boxer Nkoi Matshoba, is confident of adding some much-needed punch to boxing. She said the promotion company was launched to develop talent in the amateur and professional ranks, and to integrate boxing into the value chain of entertainment, sport tourism, and provincial political and heritage calendar.
Key points
- Young female promoters are emerging in South Africa to address boxer inactivity.
- Sisonke Sisa Production aims to promote grassroots talent and stage bouts by December.
- Boxing SA will prioritize emerging promoters and ring officials in upcoming tournament series.
