By Ron Jackson
There have been a limited number of international tournaments during the year due to the cost of the rand against the dollar and sterling, with the result that the majority of imported fighters have been from Thailand because it is cheaper for local promoters.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
The two standout fighters of the year were Ricardo Malajika, who claimed the vacant IBO junior bantamweight title, and Kevin Lerena, who won the WBC interim bridgeweight title.
PROMOTERS
Among the promoters who organized tournaments despite the high financial cost of the rand against the dollar and pound were Golden Gloves Promotions – Rodney Berman, Xaba Promotions – Ayanda Matiti, Joyce Kungwana – TLB Boxing and Shereen Hunter of Unleased Combat Sport.
AWARDS
Boxer of the Year: Kevin Lerena who despite entering the ring with an injury won a WBC title and former talented amateur Ricardo Malajika who claimed the vacant IBO junior bantamweight title.
Fight of the Year: Roarke Knapp, who once again produced exciting action for fans and earned victories over Przemyslaw Zysk (tko5) and Ahmed El Moussaoui (pts 12).
Prospect of the Year: Lightweight Kaine Fourie 6-0-2 (4) in just his sixth pro fight stopped the much more experienced former South African and IBO champion Lusanda Komanisi (27-7).
Upsetting and most disappointing performance of the year: Previously undefeated Sivenathi Nontshinga lost his IBF junior flyweight title via second-round knockout against Adrian Curiel in Monte Carlo, one minute and 9 seconds into the round.
Saddest moment of the year: Ludumo Lamati lost by 12th round knockout to Nick Ball in Belfast on May 23 and collapsed in his corner before being taken to hospital. However, he returned to South Africa after a spell in hospital, but will never box again.
Trainer of the year: Vuzi Mtolo from RUB gym in Edenvale.
Best fight venue: Emperors Palace near Kempton Park and the East London International Convention Centre, which always create a tremendous atmosphere.
Manager of the Year: Brian Mitchell.
Knockout of the Year: Junior lightweight Bongani Mahlangu for winning by fifth-round knockout against Mduduzi Mzimele in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.
Media: SuperSport once again made it possible for boxing enthusiasts in South Africa and the rest of Africa to watch live television coverage with screening of local fights and world title fights from abroad, as well as repeat broadcasts of South African tournaments and fights abroad.
The SuperSport boxing website continued to report on boxing in South Africa and the rest of the world and included many interesting features on the lives of local and foreign fighters. More than 118 items were placed on the site in the region.
Boxing writer Bongani Magasela of The Sowetan once again continued to keep boxing alive by reporting on the sport and so did Mesuli Zifo of the Daily Dispatch.
Droeks Malan from “YouTube” did a great job reporting and previewing fights.
Ring official Deon Dwarte from Cape Town who has continued to perform at a high level.
BOXING ON THE BOARD
With a positive perspective we welcome the appointments to the new Board of Directors of Boxing SA. The term of the new board members, consisting of chairman Sfiso Shongwe and board members Sakhiwo Sodo, Romy Titus, Luxolo Septembre, Nande Mpshe, Princess Nongoma and Marry Sitati, will expire on December 11, 2026.
SOUTH AFRICAN BOXERS IN INTERNATIONAL FIGHTS
Featherweight: Ludumo Lamati L TKO in round 12 against Nick Ball, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Middleweight: Gauteng champion Donjuan “The Iron Dragon” van Heerden lost a ten-round unanimous decision against Ismael Seck at the Palais des Sports Cahors, France, for the IBO continental middleweight title with scores of 97- 93 twice and 96-94.
