Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Calls for Boxing SA to take action against Eastern Cape boxing referee and judge Sphiwe Mbini, who checked the bandaging of Edward Mpofu's hands prior to his fight with Thanduxolo Dyani two weeks ago, are mounting.

This follows threats last week by Dyani's manager Mzimase Mnguni to sue Boxing SA for negligence after Mpofu was alleged to have used a hardening agent on his bandages. But Loyiso Mtya, Boxing SA's director of operations, says such calls are premature, unfair and unfortunate.

"People are clouding the matter in such a way that we will lose focus on the main thing, which is what is alleged to have happened.

"We must first either clear Mpofu or punish him if he is guilty. Anybody else who was involved, wilfully or not, or is proved to have performed his or her duties negligently will be determined by the facts and evidence presented in the hearing next week," said Mtya.

He said advocate Kanene Dokolwane from East London will be the presiding officer while attorney Mzwandile Mqanto from Mdantsane will be the prosecuting officer.

Mtya said the hearing, scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, will take place at Premier Regent Hotel in East London.