The show – ESPN’s first boxing tournament in Africa – goes on as scheduled for tomorrow night in Fourways. The assurance was made yesterday by Sifiso Shongwe, who allayed fears of a possible cancellation after the main bout dropped out.
Thembani Okolo, who was to challenge SA mini-flyweight champion Bangile Nyangani, has gone AWOL.
“There is no need for the long face; the damage is done and what matters now is the way forward,” said the man who trades under the banner Walt Disney Africa. “Quickly I had to move.”
Shongwe announced that the international 10-rounder between Koos Sibiya and Steven Bagwasi from Botswana will now be the main attraction. The promoter paid tribute to Boxing SA’s Gauteng provincial manager Lehlohonolo Ramagole for being helpful.
“All what matchmaker (Abbey Mnisi) did was to get us a four-rounder so that we are within the required number of rounds for the tournament to happen,” he said. “I cannot allow one bout to affect the whole show; other boxers and trainers worked hard and we must make sure that we make them feel important too.
“Our arrangement with Okolo and his team was that they arrive here on Sunday. Tickets and hotel were already booked for them and I sent all that information to trainer Mzwandile Sidina. What happened from thereon I have no idea until I was informed by friends about a story written somewhere that this boxer has gone missing.
“We attempted to make a contact with Sdina but we hit the brick wall because his mobile was constantly off. I hope that Okolo is okay; there will be a next time.”
Sibiya has been given the opportunity to headline a show. The battle-scarred veteran of 44 fights from a career spanning 22 years has held the WBF Africa featherweight and Gauteng and ABU junior lightweight titles.
He should overwhelm Bagwasi with his experience. Bagwasi has six wins against a loss.
The main supporting bout will be the eagerly awaited clash between Gabisile Tshabalala and Ellen Simwaka from Malawi.
The two have been on each other’s throat since August last year. There will be four more under-card fights and action will begin at 7pm.
Boxing tourney goes on despite challenger going missing
Okolo unreachable ahead of tomorrow's ESPN event
Image: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The show – ESPN’s first boxing tournament in Africa – goes on as scheduled for tomorrow night in Fourways. The assurance was made yesterday by Sifiso Shongwe, who allayed fears of a possible cancellation after the main bout dropped out.
Thembani Okolo, who was to challenge SA mini-flyweight champion Bangile Nyangani, has gone AWOL.
“There is no need for the long face; the damage is done and what matters now is the way forward,” said the man who trades under the banner Walt Disney Africa. “Quickly I had to move.”
Shongwe announced that the international 10-rounder between Koos Sibiya and Steven Bagwasi from Botswana will now be the main attraction. The promoter paid tribute to Boxing SA’s Gauteng provincial manager Lehlohonolo Ramagole for being helpful.
“All what matchmaker (Abbey Mnisi) did was to get us a four-rounder so that we are within the required number of rounds for the tournament to happen,” he said. “I cannot allow one bout to affect the whole show; other boxers and trainers worked hard and we must make sure that we make them feel important too.
“Our arrangement with Okolo and his team was that they arrive here on Sunday. Tickets and hotel were already booked for them and I sent all that information to trainer Mzwandile Sidina. What happened from thereon I have no idea until I was informed by friends about a story written somewhere that this boxer has gone missing.
“We attempted to make a contact with Sdina but we hit the brick wall because his mobile was constantly off. I hope that Okolo is okay; there will be a next time.”
Sibiya has been given the opportunity to headline a show. The battle-scarred veteran of 44 fights from a career spanning 22 years has held the WBF Africa featherweight and Gauteng and ABU junior lightweight titles.
He should overwhelm Bagwasi with his experience. Bagwasi has six wins against a loss.
The main supporting bout will be the eagerly awaited clash between Gabisile Tshabalala and Ellen Simwaka from Malawi.
The two have been on each other’s throat since August last year. There will be four more under-card fights and action will begin at 7pm.
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