With his bags already packed and just as he thought he was going to board a plane from King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City via OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park to Gaborone in Botswana, Aphiwe ‘Swagger’ Boyiya received the most disturbing news on Wednesday morning that his fight against Kutlwano Ogaketse had been postponed.
Boyiya, who was due to leave for Botswana on Wednesday for the fight which was scheduled for this coming Friday, has now become the most unluckiest boxer in South Africa as he has endured several fight postponements. And because of the postponements, Boyiya ended up not fighting at all last year.
“I received an email early in the morning, telling me that the fight has been postponed until further notice. I’m really hurt and Aphiwe is also hurt and is asking too many questions, which I cannot even answer,” Boyiya’s manager Kholisile ‘KC’ Cengani said.
“Aphiwe really needs to fight. He had five postponements last year and two this year. What has happened to him is really bad and worrying, too. What hurts me the most is that the email says the fight has been postponed until further notice. There’s no time frame as to when it will take place.”
Scud Missile Promotions boss Thuso Khubamang wrote in an email to Cengani: “Scud Missile Promotions hereby formally informs all stakeholders that the upcoming IBO All Africa super-lightweight championship scheduled to take place at the Gaborone International Convention Centre on the 29th May 2026 has been postponed until further notice.
“The decision follows ongoing engagements and consultations with key stakeholders and sponsors regarding matters affecting the successful hosting and delivery of the tournament at the expected international standards.”
Boyiya, a former South African featherweight and junior-lightweight champion, had fights against Sipho Mahlangu and Sibusiso Zingange postponed due to different reasons last year. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
