ESPN Africa 'for promoting boxing in Africa, not just SA'

Promoter Sifiso Shongwe has clarified ESPN Africa’s intention with boxing throughout the African continent.

There was a growing concern and questions had already been asked by some promoters in other African states about the focus that has been placed on SA when the US network owned jointly by ESPN and The Walt Disney Company announced early this year that the intention was to uplift boxing in Africa.

“We, ESPN Africa, have interest throughout Africa,” insisted Shongwe without going into details yesterday. “We also saw the need to go to East London, which is known for its massive contribution in making sure that the world respects Africa due to the quality world champions produced in that province.”

Shongwe promotes under The Walt Disney Company Africa whose two previous tournaments in Johannesburg were televised live by ESPN Africa to the world through DStv, Azam and Media Max (throughout East Africa), Mauritius Telekom and Oya Watch (Nigeria).

Their first tournament was held on January 27. The third is scheduled for March 24 at EFC Institute Performance Centre, Fourways. Topping that bill will be the fight for the vacant female IBF Continental junior-welterweight title between SA champion Hedda “The Shredder” Wolmarans and Ruth Chisale from Malawi.

The tournament, which also features a grudge fight between Akani “Prime” Phuzi and Lebo Mashitoa over 10 rounds in the cruiserweight division, is subject to BSA approval. Phuzi will make his debut under new trainer Damien Durandt after parting ways with Alan Toweel Junior.

Mashitoa, whose trainer Lionel Hunter passed away in 2020, is now under the guidance of Anton Nel.

“Based on the distribution of our affiliates, there may be  a need to stay relevant by staging tournaments where our affiliates are,” said Shongwe.  

This article originally came from Sowetan Live

Photo: Antonio Muchave