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Picture taken from www.michaelleestallard.com

 I've already spoken to the ANC about this and they are enthusiastic about the idea 

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Showpony Promotions have organised a boxing tribute in honour of Nelson Mandela on February 2 - the date on which South Africa's iconic former president was released from Robben Island.

Showpony CEO Damian Michael said the boxing and entertainment spectacular would feature the likes of Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield, the only fighter to have won a world heavyweight title on five occasions and former heavyweight champion Ray Mercer.

All Black rugby star and former boxer Sonny Bill Williams and a host of international entertainment personalities would also participate.

Although the event has been termed "The Rumble on the Rock", it will not be staged on Robben Island, where no suitable facility exists, nor is there any certainty that it will be held in Cape Town.

"I am currently negotiating with a number of organisations as to finding the most suitable venue," said Michael on Friday.

"Although Cape Town has certain advantages, because of its proximity to Robben Island, I'm also considering the Johannesburg area where the show could go on at Soweto Stadium or FNB Stadium or such-like."

Irrespective of the venue, the weigh-in before the tournament will be held on Robben Island.

"I've already spoken to the ANC about this," added Michael, "and they

are enthusiastic about the idea."

Featuring prominent boxing personalities like the 49 year-old Holyfield and the 51 year-old Mercer, who will come up against each other in a four-round exhibition, and 40 year-old WBF champion Michael Grant in another exhibition, the tournament generally will contain a strong overall exhibition element, with glitz, glamour and sentiment to sustain it.

Michael said there would be serious boxing as well and he had contracted British fighter Matthew Hatton to be on the bill against a yet unnamed opponent.

A number of leading, current South African fighters would also be on view - with a music festival of top entertainers planned after the boxing segment has been completed.

The final programme and venue for the event will be announced in September.

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Thu May 23 13:07:42 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 27, 2012

Mbeva

We will need a mortuary van on standby.Just wondering if the 51 year old Mecer will take Holyfield's punches.
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Jul 29, 2012

Ndilizinthaba

Mr Mandela= The Champ.
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