The board of Boxing South Africa (BSA) is preparing itself for a legal showdown following the decision of the National Professional Boxing Promoters Association (NPBPA) to challenge its appointment by former Minister of Sport Zizi Kodwa.
The NPBPA took a decision at its meeting to approach the courts with a view of setting aside the appointment of the board.
And after meeting on Tuesday evening, the board resolved fight and protect the interests of the sport.
“The board has actively worked to foster an environment of open dialogue with various stakeholders to find common ground and resolve past disputes. Recently, the board invited stakeholders and all licensees to a consultative meeting,” a board statement said.
Despite these efforts, the board was surprised to learn that the National Professional Boxing Promoters Association has approached the courts to challenge the Minister’s appointment of the board. The board respects the right of individuals to exercise their constitutional rights, including approaching the courts.”
The statement added that the BSA board is committed to defending the interests of th fistic sport.
“The board is focused on delivering on its mandate of turning the situation around in Boxing South Africa. The Minister of Sport, Mr Gayton McKenzie, recently met us and made it clear that we have a mandate to reposition the sport of boxing to be one of the top three sports in the country, and that is our focus,” BSA board chairperson Sifiso Shongwe said.
“The board met on Tuesday night and mandated me as their chairperson to act and defend the interests of boxing in South Africa. Instead of focusing on implementing the turn-around, we are being made to waste resources in legal processes. However, we ensure the boxing fraternity not to be alarmed as we will deal with this matter decisively. This is a sad state.”
