A feeling of being vindicated has brought Mlandeli Tengimfene some happiness after a review of the fight between his boxer Mthokozisi Ngxaka and Thinumzi Gqola.
Ngxaka surrendered his South African mini-flyweight title to Gqola following a split decision loss at the Portuguese Hall in Turffontein, Johannesburg, last month.
Unhappy with the fight result, Tengimfene applied for the review of the fight and Boxing South Africa (BSA) announced on Tuesday that after a review process by three judge from different provinces the fight ruled in favour of Ngxaka.
“This thorough process reaffirms BSA’s unwavering commitment to fairness and integrity in the sport of boxing. In line with the BSA fight review procedure, an independent and impartial review of the full bout footage was conducted,” BSA said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The panel comprised three experienced, neutral judges drawn from three different provinces to ensure a balanced and objective assessment. Each judge meticulously reviewed the fight against official scoring criteria. Based on their independent assessments, the panel reached a different outcome from the one declared at the tournament.
“The official outcome of the fight review is a victory for Mr Mthokozisi Ngxaka by majority decision (two judges scored for Ngxaka, one judge scored a draw). This process is a vital safeguard that demonstrates how integrity and justice are paramount in our fistic sport, providing a necessary layer of scrutiny when a decision is disputed.”
Initially, Gqola won the bout via a split decision after judges Jaap van Niewenhuizen and Mmoledi Malokane had had him winning by 115-113 and 116-112 respectively while Thabo Spampool’s score card read 116-112 in favour of Ngxaka.
And following the latest developments, BSA has ordered a rematch between the two Eastern Cape boxers.
“Mandatory rematch ordered in accordance with the BSA fight review procedure, when a panel reaches a decision that differs from the one declared at the tournament, the only recourse is an order for a rematch,” the BSA statement further said.
The statement concluded: “Prior results cannot be nullified or changed, save for specific exceptions. Therefore, this outcome constitutes an official order for a mandatory rematch between Mr Mthokozisi Ngxaka and Mr Thinumzi Gqola.
“Both camps are required to immediately begin negotiations for the rematch and must inform Boxing South Africa of the negotiated outcome and the fight must happen within 90 days from the date of the outcome. However, it must be noted that any existing contractual obligations for either boxer will take priority and a boxer will be permitted to fulfil such obligations before engaging in the mandatory rematch, provided proof is submitted to BSA.
“Boxing South Africa thanks all stakeholders for their patience during this critical process. We remain dedicated to promoting a sport that is governed by the highest standards of transparency and fairness.”
Tengimfene said: “I knew it that day that my boxer had won the fight and I’m happy that I have now been vindicated.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
