LIVE boxing is back on the small screen, therefore all stakeholders, including the authorities, must prepare for a brighter future, according to Boxing SA acting chairperson Ntambi Ravele.

Ravele was filled with excitement after a meeting between the SABC, department of sport and promoters at Auckland Park in Johannesburg yesterday.

They had gathered to present a working document aimed at forging a brighter future for the fistic sport that has been missing from the public broadcaster for about two years.

"The message is loud and clear - boxing is back on SABC [TV]. Religious followers and stakeholders are in for a riveting live broadcast of boxing matches," she said.

"The meeting was a follow-up on our resolutions from the National Boxing Indaba. It was also about the announcement by SABC that boxing is indeed back. We reached some consensus with SABC and we thought before we finalise the working document, we must consult and engage the promoters to get their input. All concerned parties are happy."

Ravele said they also looked at the issue of the distribution of television dates.

"Thirty percent of them will go to world and international championships; another 30 to development tournament while 40 will go to competition fights. That will include national and provincial title fights. The issue of women's boxing will also be incorporated there," she explained.

Ayanda Matiti, general secretary of the National Promoters Association, said: "It is like a woman who is about to give birth - excited.

"All we are waiting for now is the re-launch of boxing back to SABC.

"We can't wait to reconnect boxing with viewers and the society in the country."

Promoter Andile Sdinile added: "We promoters need to have quality product, something that can be shown on television."