Feast of boxing awaits fight fans

A feast of boxing is on the cards for fight enthusiasts at the Emjindini community hall in Barberton. More than 40 boxers aspiring to turn professional are expected to exchange blows during the Mpumalanga junior, youth and league team free trial tournament billed for Saturday and Sunday.
Mandla Siwela, event organizer, who double-up as the trainer for the Barberton Boxing Club, said the tournament form part of the Mpumalanga Boxing Organisation (MPABO).
He said its main purpose is to select a team to represent Mpumalanga at the upcoming South African National Championships to be held in May at a venue still to be confirmed.

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“All boxers -both males and females – from the three regions of the province are invited to partake in the trial tournament. We will use the trial tournament to assess the fighters for possible inclusion in the Mpumalanga team to compete in the national championship,” said Siwela.
“We are trying to revive boxing in the province. The sport of boxing has died in the province. And in such a tournament, fight fans should brace themselves for a tit-for-tat slug fest between the aspirant boxers who will participate as they would want to be selected for provincial colours,” added Siwela.
Three divisions will exchange blows. These include junior division (12 to 14-years), youth division (15 to 18-years) and the elite division (18-years and upward).
Mandla Nkambule, Ehlanzeni Boxing Club chairperson said the divisions will be determined by the weight of the boxers.
“The champions in each division will be selected to represent the province at the South African National Championships,” he added.
Weigh-in will start at 8:00 and entrance to the hall will be free.