By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Mdantsane boxer Phila Mpontshane has won his battle to get 10 percent of the purse he signed for before his South African junior-lightweight title fight against Sibusiso Zingange was cancelled after he tested positive for COVID-19 in December.
The latest developments come after Mpontshane’s manager Andy Mtshotshisa took the fight to TK Promotions boss and Gauteng Boxing Promoters Association (GBPA) chairperson Tshele Kometsi, who was the tournament promoter, demanding 10 percent of his boxer’s purse.
After seeing that his boxer didn’t get paid, Mtshotshisa sent his complaint to the chairperson of the Boxing South Africa (BSA) board Luthando Jack, who in turn referred the matter to acting BSA chief executive officer Nsikayezwe Sithole.
“They are saying that it has been confirmed with the boxing manager that it’s been resolved. I think the payment should be done either tomorrow (Friday) or Monday,” Sithole said.
Meanwhile, Mtshotshisa said that he’s elated after he successfully fought for the South African champion.
“I’m happy with this. It’s a victory for Phila as he will get what’s due to him. My job is to take care of my athletes whether people agree with me or not. What encourages me here is that this latest episode shows that we have a credible leadership at BSA. The playing fields seem to be level now. I’m thankful to everyone who supported us,” Mtshotshisa said.
Contacted for comment, Kometsi said: “As the chairperson of the association, I have never received any demand of 10 percent. We closed the matter with BSA, not with the boxer. No one in the association entertained any 10 percent with the boxer.”
