Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Boxing fans were swept off their feet by a fine exhibition of the noble art in both Branco Milenkovic's "Storm Brewing" and Rodney Berman's "Lords of the Ring" tournaments.

Now comes the "Christmas Cracker", a box-and-dine tournament from promoters Philip Silver, Jeff Ellis and Allan Young.

The three musketeers' nine-bout programme is so evenly matched that it could produce fiery competition.

It will be staged in the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace next Wednesday night.

This tournament features fighters from South Africa, Malawi, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Namibia, and it could be the mother of all box-and-dines.

The main contest features Khotso Motau against Stephen Nzuemba from Gabon while Rupert van Aswegen will take on Emmanuel Duma in a local blowout.

War is on the cards between Welcome Ntshingila and Lefombou Ngoma of the DRC, while more blood could be spilt in a rematch between Namibian Wilberforce Shihepo and Malawian Isaac Chilembe.

Shihepo won their first fight in September.

Diners must brace themselves for a shootout between Warren Joubert and Joe Modise while a furious encounter is in the offing between Klaas Mboyane and Nestor Bolum from Nigeria.

Gauteng heavyweight hopeful Basil Ray, who pulverised Cameroonian Moussisi Jacques into submission in three rounds in September, should walk past Mongezi Ndzamela.

Ray wants to to impress the ratings committee and in the process enhance his ambition to challenge Osborne Machimana for the heavyweight title. Unknown Tony Elefthrio will host Bernard Nguessan from Ivory Coast in an unofficial catchweight bout.