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Legends Corner: The face of refereeing in South African boxing

IF THERE is one boxing personality who escaped death by the skin of his teeth, that would be Alfred "Bra Alf" Buqwana.

His cardinal sin was to call the fight between defending South African welterweight champion Harold "The Hammer" Volbrecht and challenger Arthur "The Fighting Prince" Mayisela a technical draw.

The boxers clashed heads accidentally in the fourth round of their fight at Sun City on June 14 1986.

Doctor Joe Jivhuho inspected the wound and advised that the fight be stopped in round five because blood blocked Volbrecht's view. Buqwana implemented the decision.

Ordinary people did not know it then but it was in the rules. A technical decision could be taken only after half the number of scheduled rounds had been fought.

In that case the fight had not reached the halfway mark. It was the first time that such a decision was implemented in South Africa and that made Buqwana very famous but also unpopular, specifically among the black community.

Mayisela, their favourite fighter, lost out on the title and black people bayed for Buqwana's blood.

All world bodies then amended their constitutions to restrict the rule to four rounds - not half the scheduled rounds - in order to give leeway to six-, eight- and 10-rounders.

As a result Buqwana was appointed as the first black South African referee to officiate in a major world title fight between then defending WBA junior lightweight champion Alfredo Layne against Brian Mitchell at Sun City on September 27 1986.

His appointment resulted in him receiving president Thabo Mbeki's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. The well-travelled veteran from Orlando West has officiated in more than 30 world title fights around the world.

The former Transvaal featherweight champion nicknamed "Kid Basie" during his fighting days was trained by Theo Mthembu at the famous Dube Boyz Club. He retired in 1975 after winning 55 of his 60 fights.

Buqwana began officiating in 1976. Even today, at 72, he is still going strong as he moves around the ring like a ballerina.

Sowetan honours the legendary official.Is it true that you were threatened after that decision?

Yes I was threatened. I was fearful but my ring officials, especially Joe Chaane, protected me. The whole thing happened at a time when people were shot, burned and necklaced for being seen as apartheid agents.

How did you move around Soweto?

I just came home like nothing had happened. People in my 'hood, now known as Beverly Hills, minded their own business at that time.

How did it feel being appointed to officiate in a world title fight between Layne and Mitchell?

Excited. It was an opportunity to show that I could stand up to the standards of the world and match them. Judging in that world title fight actually opened doors for me, such as attending world boxing conventions.You have not been nominated for induction to the Hall of Fame. You were there as a guest when Stan Christodoulou was inducted. How do feel about being left out?

Maybe they are still looking at my record but I honestly think I should have been inducted.

Has Boxing SA ever honoured you?

No. But the Gauteng Provincial Boxing Control Commission honoured me in 1999.

Newcomers have already been awarded. Why not a veteran like yourself, bearing in mind that BSA appointed you as the national coach who teaches up-and-coming officials?

(Big laughter) Kahle ngepolitiki (wait with the politics).

How do you view the current standard of officiating in the country?

I think our officials are doing quite well. Proof is in their appointments abroad. It tells a story about their capabilities.

Some referees seem unable to differentiate between clinching and holding. Clinching is part of the sport but holding is committing a foul. They also don't appreciate body blows. They deem them as low blows. Is this how you teach them?

No. I do have talks with them after tournaments. We will get it right.

As a former fighter from Dube Boyz Club, you have officiated in fights involving your stable-mates, such as Jacob Matlala. How did manage to remain neutral?

I was trained to look at the two fighters inside the ring with equal opportunities. I was never biased.

How did it feel being accused of taking a bribe to rob Malcolm Klassen of his IBF title in his fight with Mzonke Fana?

Very bad. I demanded an apology and then soldiered on.

Which one fight remains the most difficult one in your career as an official and why?

Mayisela versus Volbrecht. People did not understand the technicality of the outcome.

What do you enjoy most, refereeing or judging?

I enjoy judging the most.

When do you intend calling it a day?

Next year.

Any advice for aspiring officials?

Understand the rules and regulations. Love your officiating and respect your colleagues.

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