Promoter Phathutshedzo Dongola has announced that his Limpopo Champs Promotions, in partnership with the provincial government, will stage an international professional boxing tournament dubbed “Fight Against GBV” at Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Complex in Polokwane on December 2.
“SA, under new government, abolished apartheid laws that prevented women from participating in many sports, and boxing is one of them,” he explained yesterday. “That was crime against women who are today making strides in all codes.
The former professional boxer added: “This country was the first to host a world title fight between Laila Ali and Gwendolyn O’Neil in 2007. Our own Noni Tenge became the first woman throughout the African continent to become a World boxing champion when she won the IBF belt.
“Recently Phowokuhle Mnguni became the first female here to win a bronze medal in the Commonwealth games. These successes talk to SA recognising women as human beings and also providing equal platforms to their male counterparts to express themselves in any way possible.
“Instead of celebrating their achievements, we read in newspapers about them being raped, murdered and abused verbally. It is annoying to see women marching in the streets protesting about being unsafe.”
Dongola said he did not think twice when approached about lending a hand in spreading the message against gender-based violence through active action.
“We will be visiting churches and some schools to speak to people about what has become a national pandemic,” said the promoter, who further announced that three exhibition fights – two between females and one between male politicians – would take place on the day.
MEC of health Phophi Ramathuba will take on MEC for sports, arts and culture Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana, while MEC of public works Nkakareng Ragwale will take on MEC for safety Florence Radzilani. MEC of agriculture Thabo Mokone and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe will also be in action.
The province’s only national professional boxing champ, Jeff Magagane, will put his junior featherweight title on line against Zolis Batyi over 12 rounds in the main bout, while Tshifhiwa Munyai will welcome Crispin Moliati from Malawi over 10 rounds. Lufhuno Mutshayi and Monalisa Dube will represent women over six rounds.
There will be six more fights. Action will begin at 6.30pm
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