In what could best be described as a win for Andile Mshumpela and his boxer Bongani ‘King Killer’ Fule, Boxing South Africa (BSA) has given the thumbs up to the SA featherweight title fight between reigning champion Lindelani Sibisi and Fule, which is set for Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 28 March.
The latest developments somehow close talks around whether Sibisi would defend his crown against SA junior-featherweight titlist Siyabulela Hem or not. This came after Hem’s promoter Ayanda Matiti from Xaba Promotions had sent a challenge form to BSA on Saturday, 3 January.
In a letter BSA director of operations Mandla Ntlanganiso sent to Hlula Dladla (Sibisi’s promoter) Colin Nathan (Sibisi and Ishmaeel Kadri’s manager), Mshumpela (Fule’s manager) and Matiti, he told them that the regulator had approved Fule’s challenge.
“BSA formally recognises the bout between Lindelani Sibisi and Bongani Fule scheduled for 28 March 2026. This takes precedence as the challenge originated in August 2025 and the parties have now reached a contractual agreement,” Ntlanganiso said.
Ntlanganiso added: “The champion cannot be compelled to defend against Hem before fulfilling the immediate mandatory obligation that was already in the pipeline from August 2025. We consider this matter resolved and look forward to further engagements that will propel our boxing to greater heights.”
On Hem, Ntlanganiso said: “The challenge by Mr Hem is noted and remains on record and approved in principle, but does not warrant this proposed bout a mandatory bout as it is being projected.
“While the sanctioning committee “approved” the eligibility of the bout, this did not constitute a “sanction”. A bout is only sanctioned upon the submission and approval of signed, valid contracts and the fulfilment of all regulatory and administrative requirements.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
