Unforeseen challenges have forced a change in the bout between Zolisa Batyi and Likho Sigaba, which is scheduled for the Guild Theatre in KuGompo City on Sunday afternoon.
Originally billed as the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Gold featherweight title, the clash has since been turned into a 10-rounder.
“The main bout is no longer the WBA Gold title fight. We encountered some challenges, which forced us to change the bout. Thankfully, we have agreed with the respective camps for the fight to be turned into a 10 rounds bout,” Kay B Promotions boss, Mzi Booi, said.
Two boxers, Lihle Soga and Sibusiso Moyakhe, from the Nelson Mandela Bay region didn’t make it to the weigh-in following a mix-up in their travel arrangements. Soga was due to meet Sibabaliwe Gwebityala while Moyakhe was pencilled to face Ayabulela Xatyana.
“We didn’t have a pre-medical because of insurmountable challenges. I got messages from people in Gqeberha saying that no transport was organised for them. Anyway, we are going ahead with the tournament,” Eastern Cape Boxing South Africa (BSA) provincial manager, Phakamile Jacobs, said.
Meanwhile, both Batyi and his adversary made the required weight and have promised to hammer each other throughout the fight.
Even Siyamthanda Mbali and his opponent Masivuye Piliso made the weight. Mbali will be making the first defence of his Eastern Cape flyweight title when he squares up against Piliso. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
