Boxing champs to slug it out
By Tabisa Mntengwana
15 March 2010
BUFFALO City has approved sponsorship of R2,5 million for the IBF World Mini Flyweight match to be held in East London on Friday, 26 March.
The city has long been known for its boxing. In the match, local champion Nkosinathi Joyi will meet Mexican Raul Garcia. According to a City report, both fighters are undefeated in their careers and are rated pound-for-pound among the best in the world.
It will be organised by the City and Branco Sports Productions, which has hosted over 300 tournaments in South Africa.
“The hosting of high-profile sporting events is part of the build up to and beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in June,” reads the report.
Noting the benefits of the boxing match, the report states that it will help up-and-coming local fighters and the boxing community to get international exposure.
It will also help the city profile itself as a sporting destination of choice. Other recent events have been held with this in mind, namely the SpecSavers Ironman 70.3 International Triathlon and the Africa Open Golf Championship, both of which took place in January.
Boxing is one of many sports that have brought the city regular prime time national television coverage throughout the year, with national and international boxing champions – hence the city is referred to as a mecca of boxing.
According to the council report, boxing is the sport of the poor and the destitute; for many – both male and female – it is their only chance for a better life. The people of Duncan Village and Mdantsane, where most Buffalo City residents live, are proud when one of their own becomes a recognised boxing champion, it says.
The fight will be broadcast live on SABC Sport, Mexico Televisia and TV Azteca in the United States. Also there will be two press conferences before the game, during one of which Executive Mayor Zukisa Faku will host the boxers’ weigh-in.
Contact us:
