By Monwabisi Jimlongo
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has fulfilled its promise to send a belt to Boipatong-based champion and 2004 Olympian Bongani Mahlangu.
Earlier this month, Mahlangu complained about not receiving his belt from Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) after he shocked East London boxing followers when he stopped then unbeaten IBF Continental Africa and South African junior-featherweight champion Ayabonga Sonjica in the sixth round at the Orient Theatre in July last year.
Seeing that Mahlangu didn’t get his belt, IBF representative in Africa Andre de Vries approached Daryl Peoples, the president of the New Jersey-based organisation, seeking his intervention.
Peoples then promised to send the belt to De Vries something which he did last week. Now the reigning SA junior-featherweight champion is going to receive his IBF belt on Tuesday.
“I got hold of the IBF president and they have sent the belt to me at their expense. We are having a hand over ceremony of the belt to Bongani Mahlangu at Colin Nathan’s gym tomorrow (Tuesday) at 12,” De Vries said.
Sandile Mahlangu, who is Mahlangu’s manager, said: “I’m very happy after Andre called telling us that the belt has arrived and we will get it on Tuesday.”
