Phaphama Rhonorhono’s trainer Madoda ‘One More Time’ Dyonase is hurt following the cancellation of his boxer’s South African welterweight title defence against Jabulani Makhense owing to lack of funds.
Having a professional record of five wins with five knockouts, Rhonorhono was due to meet Makhense in the first defence of his SA title at the Malamulele Boxing Hall in Limpopo on Friday next week. The tournament was going to be promoted by former world champion Isaac Hlatshwayo’s The Angel Promotions.
“This is very bad for both me and the boxer after we have worked very hard preparing for the fight,” Dyonase moaned.
In a letter sent to all the boxers, who were going to take part in the tournament, Hlatshwayo said: “It is with deep regret that The Angel Promotions announces the cancellation of the professional boxing tournament that was scheduled to take place on Friday, 24 July 2026, at the Malamulele Boxing Hall.
“This difficult decision follows the unexpected withdrawal of our principal sponsor. As the event was financially dependent on this sponsorship, we are unfortunately unable to secure the purse money required for the participating boxers and to meet our obligations in hosting the tournament at the professional standard it deserves.
“We understand the disappointment and inconvenience this cancellation has caused, especially to the athletes, who dedicated themselves to preparing for this opportunity. We explored every possible avenue to keep the tournament on track, but without the necessary financial backing, it would have been unfair to everyone involved.”
This was going to be Mthatha-born Rhonorhono’s first fight since he won the national title with a second round stoppage of Wassim Chellan in Cape Town in September last year. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
