Christodoulou appeals for regular refereeing courses

Stan Christodoulou feels strongly that Boxing South Africa should make it a policy to have two workshops for officials each year.

The last time officials were involved in a refresher course was in 2009.

There has been embarrassing situations where officials have performed so poorly inside the ring that fans booed them.

Young officials such as Ben Ncapayi, Siya Mani, Cyprian Ndaba and Phumeza Zinakile have done well under the circumstances and Christodoulou said if groomed well they could become good referees.

Christodoulou has refereed and judged in 216 world title fights in all 17 weight divisions in 42 countries.

For his monumental achievements he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York in 2004.

The 71-year-old representative of the World Boxing Association in Africa, who has been involved with boxing for 52 years, told Sowetan yesterday that even world-class officials attended seminars regularly.

"Learning about boxing is an ongoing thing," he said. "You know judging and refereeing a boxing match is not easy but with seminars once or twice a year, you upgrade your knowledge.

"Senior officials must be appointed to educate their new colleagues and I am willing to assist free of charge.

"I am not implying that there is crisis here. I am saying it because I feel strongly that officials all over the world go through fresher courses.

"I have just returned from Ghana where I conducted courses in refereeing and judging because Ghana is very busy now and before you know it there will be world title fights there."

Christodoulou will conduct a seminar for 35 European officials in Bulgaria from June 12.

He revealed that Wally Snowball, Joe Chaane and Jaap van Niewenhuizen and Tony Nyangiwe would be in charge of the eagerly awaited shootout for the vacant WBA Pan African lightweight title between Xolisani Ndongeni and Mzonke Fana at Emperors Palace, Joburg, on June 6.