A tree does not bloom in frost, and a frozen economy does not produce income. That is how Tshele Kometsi summarised the ongoing topic on whether professional boxers must resume training or not.

The Johannesburg-based boxing promoter who trades under TK Boxing Promotions, says minister of sports Nathi Mthethwa's permission for boxers to resume training does not necessarily mean that Covid-19 is gone.

There have been different views from various members of the boxing fraternity since Boxing SA announced Mthethwa's authorisation that professional fighters can only begin to sweat it out in their gyms.

"Remember, it is not only about those boxers that are licensed by Boxing SA but instead human beings that have dependants. Once those boxers test positive for Covid-19 and become statistics of the mortality rate, it means they will leave behind orphans," said Kometsi, who urged the entire fraternity to desist from thinking as individuals. "It has been said that it will take 18 to 24 months before we get the vaccine. For now it is about playing safe because the mortality rate is going up every day, so it is imperative that we don't take unnecessary chances."

Kometsi added he also understands that boxers, trainers, managers and promoters must eat but at the same time lives cannot be compromised.

"In any case, this year is gone to expect any tournament. So what is the use of risking lives of boxers if chances of having tournaments are minimal considering the situation?"

Kometsi said he, too, is equally struggling. "But I still think that life is more important. Business is bad for everyone right now and the economy is down; money is going to Covid-19 relief funding from both private and public sector in making sure that government helps its people during this time, so the ground is not fertile for us to think of boxing.

"It is too risky to get our boxers to gyms right now because you may find that some have tested for Covid-19 and others have not tested at all."