All boxing tournaments that were proposed to Boxing SA by promoters and received approval will go ahead as scheduled, BSA acting CEO Cindy Nkomo has confirmed.
The recent move by J4Joy Promotion to cancel its upcoming tournament due to the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases has raised eyebrows in the sport, with fans fearing widespread cancellations.
“Boxing tournaments are permitted under regulations gazetted on Sunday,” explained Nkomo.
“We will continue but obviously under specific guidelines one of which is the testing of athletes which has been in place. We must also ensure that whatever events BSA has ends at specific time which is 8pm.
“All tournaments from our side are going ahead unless promoters think otherwise. We recommend 2pm as a starting time, and tournaments must end before 8pm so that we allow everyone to arrive home at the right time before the (9pm) curfew.”
Regarding travelling to and from Gauteng which has been declared as the coronavirus hotspot, the regulations stipulate that such is permitted for persons doing so while carrying out work responsibilities or performing any service permitted under adjustment alert level 4 provided such person is in possession of a permit.
Promoters can request permits from BSA.
"No spectators are allowed at events, except for media, security personnel, emergency medical service and the persons employed by owners of the venue of the tournament.”
Regulations stipulate that boxers and their corner teams must be tested before participating in a professional tournament and must present a negative Covid-19 test no older than 72 hours before the tournament at the weigh-in venue.
“Results older than 72 hours will not be accepted,” Nkomo said.
“Boxers and/or seconds who do not have the results at latest, two hours after the scheduled weigh-in time may be taken off the tournament. Only the SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR test will be accepted for participation in a tournament. This means that rapid testing will not be accepted. Ring girls are now permitted and must always wear masks during the tournament.”
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