BOIPATONG.- The Vaal Triangle is well known for producing boxing champions, but there is a lack of boxing promoters in the region.

This concern was raised by multi-title former South African boxing champion Bongani ‘Wonderboy’ Mahlangu.

In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Mahlangu said that for years now this region has been without boxing promoters and boxers have been forced to travel as a result of this.

According to Mahlangu, professional or semi-professional boxers have to travel to Johannesburg to prepare for a fight. He said this is because there is no box-specific gym in the region to use in preparation for upcoming fights.

Mahlangu said he experienced the same situation when he prepared for his fights. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that he had no choice but to travel to Johannesburg every day, and this became costly to him.

Sedibeng Ster Sport can attest to Mahlangu’s frustration as the only time we see boxing is during tournaments. The organisers will build a boxing ring/gym for that particular tournament, and after the event it will be removed. There is no performance boxing gym/ring for local boxers to use when they prepare for their upcoming fights.

“Look, I have been complaining about this since I was a young boxer, and even now it is still the same situation. It is my wish to have boxing promoters who come from this region. I think the lives of these young boxers will then be better,” said Mahlangu.

Despite Mahlangu’s frustration, the Vaal is known for producing household-name boxing champions.