By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Gqeberha-based female boxing champion Nozipho Bell is relieved now that her International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental belt has finally arrived even though it’s yet to be handed over to her.
Bell has been waiting for her IBF Intercontinental female junior-lightweight belt since she defeated Matshidiso Mokebisi at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, Gqeberha, more than a month ago. The two-time South African junior-lightweight female champion and Mokebisi from Kroonstad, Free State, fought in a tournament, which was promoted by David Faas’ David Faas Productions.
“I have received a call informing me that my belt has arrived. However, no date has been set as to when I will finally get it,” Bell from Walmer in Gqeberha said.
Bell, who fought three times last year, is a former World Boxing Federation (WBF) female featherweight champion. She lost twice in world title fights against Polish Eva Brodnicka in a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) bout in October 2018 and Terri Harper from the United Kingdom in an International Boxing Organisation (IBO) strap in July the following year.
Meanwhile, veteran promoter Faas has confirmed that the belt has indeed arrived and will soon be presented to Bell.
“Yes, the belt is here after it arrived last week. However, we have not presented it to Nozipho yet. We are planning to do a formal presentation to her,” Faas said.
