Two forced changes have been made on the TLB Boxing Promotions tournament bill set for the Graceland Casino in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on Saturday, 20 March.
Six-time world champion Hector “Hekkie” Budler is not fighting against Muhsin Kizota anymore. The Tanzanian withdrew from the Budler fight after testing positive to COVID-19.
Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) junior-flyweight champion Budler is now going to fight against Hamidu Kwata from Tanzania in the main bout of the tournament, which has been dubbed ‘Return of the Big Guns’.
Budler, who at one stage held the IBO, International Boxing Federation (IBF) and WBA junior-flyweight belts, has not fought since he lost to Japanese boxer Hiroto Kyoguchi in December 2018.
This is TLB Boxing Promotions’ first tournament outside Gauteng where the promotional company is based. TLB Boxing Promotions is promoting this tournament in conjunction with the Mpumalanga Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Another change on the bill is the fight between Noxolo Makhanavu and Simangele Hadebe, which has been cancelled. This followed after Makhanavu collapsed while jogging with her brother Xola Sifama in East London on Tuesday evening. Hadebe is now going to fight against Mellisa Muller in an eight rounds bout.
Meanwhile, Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni is going to face Byson Gwayan from Malawi in the main supporting bout.
Other fights:
Eight rounds:
Junior-welterweight:
Xolani Mgidi v Siya Mabena
Four rounders:
Lightweight:
Talent Baloi (SA) v Sando Jackson (Malawi)
Junior-featherweight:
Ayabonga Cekiso v Skhumbuzo Ximba
Bantamweight:
Arnel Lubisi v Sikelela Jama
