Former multiple world boxing champion Isaac "Angel" Hlatshwayo has called on the boxing fraternity to write a petition to President Jacob Zuma and request that he releases boxing from government.
He said boxing must be independent from government like football in order for sponsors to come back.
“All the sponsors like Old Buck and King Korn left when boxing fell under government in 2001,” he said.
BSA replaced the SA National Boxing Control Commission in 2001 but began practising in 2002. Boxing is the only code in South Africa to be governed by the act of parliament.
“The government gives BSA millions of rands every year but purses for boxers still remain little,” said the 40 year old former SA and IBO lightweight, IBO and IBF welterweight champion from Shisasi Village in Limpopo.
“Once government releases boxing, I expect many sponsors to come back and promoters will be able to improve purses for boxers because there will be money.”
Hlatshwayo added: “Sports Minister (Fikile Mbalula) must also dissolve the current board of BSA. Other members of the board have been there even before I turned professional in 2000. I retired in 2013 and they are still there. Boxing needs people who have the knowledge and love of boxing at heart”.
He says he cannot fold his arms and keep quiet when his sport is going deeper in the grave.
“Boxing made me who I am today. Boxing is my life,” said Hlatshwayo who won the IBF welterweight title in the US on August 1 2008.
He lost it in his first defence to Jan Zavech at Johannesburg’s Wembley Arena in 2009.
“Young boxers are in trouble. Some use their last money to renew licensees but don’t get fights. The board is doing nothing to help them,” said Hlatshwayo.
“The board cannot even convince SABC to bring boxing back to Sunday afternoon as it was the case back because 10pm on Friday is too late. It has been months since there was no live boxing on SABC yet mixed martial arts has tournaments every weekend.”
BSA chairperson Muditambi Ravele said: “He cannot throw missiles without even talking to us. His problem is our problem which has nothing to do with government.” - TMG Sport
'Government' chase sponsors away, says former world boxing champion Hlatshwayo
Former multiple world boxing champion Isaac "Angel" Hlatshwayo has called on the boxing fraternity to write a petition to President Jacob Zuma and request that he releases boxing from government.
He said boxing must be independent from government like football in order for sponsors to come back.
“All the sponsors like Old Buck and King Korn left when boxing fell under government in 2001,” he said.
BSA replaced the SA National Boxing Control Commission in 2001 but began practising in 2002. Boxing is the only code in South Africa to be governed by the act of parliament.
“The government gives BSA millions of rands every year but purses for boxers still remain little,” said the 40 year old former SA and IBO lightweight, IBO and IBF welterweight champion from Shisasi Village in Limpopo.
“Once government releases boxing, I expect many sponsors to come back and promoters will be able to improve purses for boxers because there will be money.”
Hlatshwayo added: “Sports Minister (Fikile Mbalula) must also dissolve the current board of BSA. Other members of the board have been there even before I turned professional in 2000. I retired in 2013 and they are still there. Boxing needs people who have the knowledge and love of boxing at heart”.
He says he cannot fold his arms and keep quiet when his sport is going deeper in the grave.
“Boxing made me who I am today. Boxing is my life,” said Hlatshwayo who won the IBF welterweight title in the US on August 1 2008.
He lost it in his first defence to Jan Zavech at Johannesburg’s Wembley Arena in 2009.
“Young boxers are in trouble. Some use their last money to renew licensees but don’t get fights. The board is doing nothing to help them,” said Hlatshwayo.
“The board cannot even convince SABC to bring boxing back to Sunday afternoon as it was the case back because 10pm on Friday is too late. It has been months since there was no live boxing on SABC yet mixed martial arts has tournaments every weekend.”
BSA chairperson Muditambi Ravele said: “He cannot throw missiles without even talking to us. His problem is our problem which has nothing to do with government.” - TMG Sport
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos