It is easy to understand why Joyce Kungwane is happy after Boxing South Africa (BSA) finally approved the vacant South African junior-welterweight title fight between Aphiwe Boyiya and Sibusiso Zingange.
Kungwane, the TLB Boxing Promotions boss, has scheduled the fight for Saturday, 26 July, at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.
A lot happened before the fight was finally approved as Boyiya was initially billed to face off against Sipho Mahlangu for the same SA title in May. However, the fight failed to go ahead after Zingange’s handlers fought against it happening.
Thereafter, BSA called for purse bids and Mzi Booi from Kay B Promotions was the only bidder. And BSA surprised many boxing followers when it extended the closing date for the bids.
Unfortunately, no one put a bid for the fight until Kungwane and Booi agreed on who should stage the bout.
“Boxing South Africa approved the fight on Friday last week. We are very happy that the fight has finally been approved by BSA. We are now preparing for the tournament,” Kungwane remarked.
This is going to be the third time Boyiya and Zingange meet having first met in a vacant International Boxing Organisation (IBO) All-Africa junior-lightweight title at the OrientTheatre in East London in September 2015.
The second bout was held at the same EastLondon venue in April 2017 and was won by Boyiya, only to be changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
