THE issue of isiphandla, the traditional bangle, has returned to haunt Boxing South Africa
The governing body failed to deal decisively with this issue when it involved Patrick Malinga in October.
Malinga was allegedly forced by Boxing South Africa's manager in Eastern Cape, Phakamile Jacobs, to cut it or face forfeiting the right to defend his South African lightweight title against Vusumuzi Tyatyeka.
That would have seen Malinga being stripped.
Malinga said he was grossly unstable mentally and also scared to lose the belt he won after fighting all out against Amon Baloyi, who was hospitalised after collapsing at the start of the 12th round at Park Station on August 9 2008.
After consultation with his father, trainer Jabulani Malinga, the boxer reluctantly cut his bangle, fought and stopped Tyatyeka in the eighth round.
He shared his experience with yours truly, who got hold of Solly Selebi, an executive member of the board of Boxing SA, who was acting chairperson because Peter Ngatane was abroad.
Selebi strongly condemned Jacobs's actions and promised to conduct an investigation into the matter, but it is unclear if anything was done.
Malinga said he performed a ritual, and apologised to his ancestors for cutting isiphandla by slaughtering a goat. He put a fresh bangle on his wrist.
On Saturday night next week at Nasrec Arena he will defend against Thompson Mokwana, the equally competitive and hard-hitting fighter who almost quit the sport in 2006. Mokwana sent Tally Disoloane flying through the ropes and Disoloane's head hit the floor. He died two weeks later.
Two IBF fights will also take place at the venue for Malinga's fourth defence. Promoter Branco Milenkovic said R100 tickets are still available at Computicket.
Isiphandla dispute yet to be resolved
THE issue of isiphandla, the traditional bangle, has returned to haunt Boxing South Africa
The governing body failed to deal decisively with this issue when it involved Patrick Malinga in October.
Malinga was allegedly forced by Boxing South Africa's manager in Eastern Cape, Phakamile Jacobs, to cut it or face forfeiting the right to defend his South African lightweight title against Vusumuzi Tyatyeka.
That would have seen Malinga being stripped.
Malinga said he was grossly unstable mentally and also scared to lose the belt he won after fighting all out against Amon Baloyi, who was hospitalised after collapsing at the start of the 12th round at Park Station on August 9 2008.
After consultation with his father, trainer Jabulani Malinga, the boxer reluctantly cut his bangle, fought and stopped Tyatyeka in the eighth round.
He shared his experience with yours truly, who got hold of Solly Selebi, an executive member of the board of Boxing SA, who was acting chairperson because Peter Ngatane was abroad.
Selebi strongly condemned Jacobs's actions and promised to conduct an investigation into the matter, but it is unclear if anything was done.
Malinga said he performed a ritual, and apologised to his ancestors for cutting isiphandla by slaughtering a goat. He put a fresh bangle on his wrist.
On Saturday night next week at Nasrec Arena he will defend against Thompson Mokwana, the equally competitive and hard-hitting fighter who almost quit the sport in 2006. Mokwana sent Tally Disoloane flying through the ropes and Disoloane's head hit the floor. He died two weeks later.
Two IBF fights will also take place at the venue for Malinga's fourth defence. Promoter Branco Milenkovic said R100 tickets are still available at Computicket.
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