While Siseko Teyisi’s handlers continue to promote his next fight, Lonwabo Witbooi is pushing for him to be stripped as South African junior-flyweight champion should he fights against Elmar Zamora instead of defending his national title.
Witbooi feels that his boxer Athenkosi Thongwana is being disrespected, especially if Teyisi’s proposed fight against Zamora from the Philippines goes ahead in East London on Sunday, 28 September.
Already, Witbooi has written to Boxing South Africa (BSA) seeking the fistic regulator’s intervention, yet again. Witbooi wants Teyisi to defend against his boxer in his next fight or relinquish the SA title if he pursues an international route.
“Since our last communication of the 28 August where I made Thongwana’s stance clear that he is going ahead with his SA title challenge of Siseko Teyisi for the SA junior-flyweight title, his promotional company continues to advertise an international fight. They have not said whether they are vacating or defending,” Witbooi wrote in a letter to BSA.
Witbooi added: “This leaves a bad taste in my mouth as it is not only disrespectful to Boxing SA by blatantly disregarding the rules and regulations, but also very malicious and disrespectful to Thongwana, who is the rightful mandatory challenger to Teyisi.
“I cannot help, but feel Boxing SA, in this instance, is not protecting Thongwana while Teyisi’s management and promotion are having a time of their lives and moving on with their plans and parading on social media.”
Thongwana through Witbooi sent a challenge form to BSA two months ago after three months had ended since Teyisi last defended the SA title. However, Witbooi has had no joy as the Teyisi camp never indicated that they would defend against Thongwana.
“Thongwana deserves enough respect to be given a clear answer as to whether the champion is vacating to pursue an international fight or he will defend against him as he is obligated to,” Witbooi remarked.
Witbooi concluded: “I ask that BSA handle this matter with urgency and protect the rights of Thongwana as a BSA licensee and find out what exactly the champion intends doing in the next 48 hours. He cannot be sidelined and publicly embarrassed in full view of Boxing South Africa.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
