Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Allegations that boxing promoter Blacky Seoe is a fly-by-night operator have only encouraged the Free Stater to go the extra mile in staging bigger tournaments.

Seoe caused a stir last November after obtaining a promoter's licence in September by signing eight top name fighters, including William Gare, Mlungisi Dlamini, Bongani Mwelase, Tshifhiwa Munyai and Bongani Mahlangu .

Seoe crowned this coup in February by staging a boxing extravaganza that featured two WBF and two WBA Inter-Continental belts at the town hall in Bloemfontein.

Neither SABC nor SuperSport bought broadcasting rights but Seoe, who spent almost R2 million on that international event, still had the nerve to declare the entrance free.

"I am not into boxing to please individuals but rather to turn the miserable lives of fighters, especially champions, around for the better.

"Even if I can be in boxing for two years only, the changes that I would have made will be by far more than those by the people who have been there for 50 years," said the man who sent shock waves through the sport by announcing that none of his champions would be paid less than R100 000.

"I could easily have gone into football but I opted for boxing because of the passion I have for it."

Seoe confirmed May 23 as the date for his second boxing bonanza, which he said would take place at the Kroonstad military base in Free State.

Gare will defend the WBF super middleweight title and Dlamini, the WBF lightweight holder, will fight for the WBA strap against an opponent to be confirmed next week.

Mwelase will defend the SA welterweight belt against Thabo Mashishi while Sam Malinga's national junior welterweight diadem will be on the line against Collin Mayisela

Seoe's boxer Tshepang Mohale will oppose Khotso Motau for the vacant national super middleweight title that was relinquished by Gare after winning the WBF belt.

Again entrance is free, but this time SABC Sport has committed to broadcasting the main bout on Blow by Blow.