Boxing promoter Ayanda Matiti has announced an international boxing extravaganza to mark the year-long celebrations of the life of late ANC president Oliver Tambo.

Through his Xaba Promotions and Events and with the Free State government, Matiti will stage the tournament at Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre in Bloemfontein on March 17.

The last tournament took place at that venue in 2015 and was staged by Lebo Mahoko.

"It has to be a line-up befitting the calibre of the late political giant that the country is celebrating," said Matiti, who lost out to Andre Thysse for the BSA promoter of 2016 award last month.

Asked why is he not staging this tournament in his home province of Eastern Cape, Matiti said: "Other provinces other than the Eastern Cape must benefit from a promoter of my calibre who is out to develop the sport of boxing."

Current IBO welterweight holder Tsiko "Cruel Junior" Mulovhedzi from Limpopo will top the bill when he opposes German-based Italian Dario "Italian Trouble" Socci for a vacant IBF Intercontinental belt over 12 rounds.

WBF International featherweight champion Tello "King Razor" Dithebe from Kroonstadt in Free State will welcome Twalib Tuwa from Tanzania for a vacant IBF Africa title over 10 rounds.

Sphamandla Baleni from Mthatha will make a voluntary defence of his SA mini flyweight belt against Thembani Okolo from Port Elizabeth, while Lerato Dlamini from Free State will welcome Sinethemba Bam from Khayelitsha for a vacant IBF youth belt over 10 rounds.

In two non-title fights Themba Ntsele will host Makazole "The Professor" Tete while Motswaki Moselesele will welcome Nhlanhla "24" Ngamntwini.