A fight which looked like it was not going to happen is finally happening as Kay B Promotions boss Mzi Booi has secured the signature of Lindelani Sibisi for a clash against South African featherweight champion Zolisa Batyi in April.
The number one rated Sibisi, who is the current African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight champion, is set to challenge Batyi in East London on Sunday, 27 April.
“Finally, we have agreed with Sibisi. I’ve got a signed contract from him. The fight is happening,” a happy Booi said on Wednesday evening.
It’s been a very hectic few days for Booi while he was trying to secure an opponent for Batyi after Sibisi had initially failed to agree to the fight. Booi even received a stinging letter from Xaba Promotions boss Ayanda Matiti, who representing Lindokuhle Khuzwayo.
“The discussions between us and Xaba Promotions regarding Batyi’s fight against Khuzwayo broke down because we couldn’t afford the R50 000 purse, three flight tickets and three hotel rooms for five days as he demanded. We are a new and growing promotion, we don’t wanna live above our budget and end up not paying boxers or cancel a tournament,” Booi said.
“We were lucky because we were in constant discussions with Dr Dladla for other projects, so it was easy to revisit the Batyi-Sibisi fight and we concluded the deal this morning (Wednesday). We are grateful for the support and advice we’ve been getting from the boxing community. And a special thanks to Mlandeli Tengimfene for continuing to work with us.”
Meanwhile, this is going to Batyi’s fifth defence of the title he won after he stopped then champion Jeff Magagane in the second round at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex in Seshego, Polokwane, in December 2022.
Nxarhuni-born defeated Abdul-Aziz Kunert, Yamkela Phaliso and Lucky Hobyane. He also drew with Kunert. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
