Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre will be the venue for the week-long inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup, South African National Amateur Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) president Siyabulela Mkhwalo confirmed yesterday.
There had been rumours that his national organisation –responsible for the open boxing, then known as amateurs, would host the tournament, which is scheduled from October 9 -14 .
“Yes, it is true we will host the Mandela African Boxing Cup open tournament next month; it is for both genders and the age is from 19 to 40,” he said, adding that it would be the first ever to honour and celebrate departed statesman Nelson Mandela.
“There is prize money of $100,000 to the medallists. No confirmation as yet to determine how it will be spread but we are looking at $15,000 for the gold medallist, $10 000 silver and $5000 for the bronze.”
Mkhwalo said the total number of weight divisions that would participate in this international event for both men and women was 25. The llst of eligible national federations is 4 6.
“When you split the two genders, you will have 13 men weight categories and 12 women weight classes,” said Mkhwalo, who further announced that the International Boxing Association (IBA) would finance the event, which will be staged in conjunction with the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) and Sanabo.
“Teams will only fly themselves to Durban and the rest will be well taken care of. ”Th e cup is said to be supported by IBA, AFBC and Thembekile Mandela Foundation.
“We will also have the ABFC Congress on the 13th during that period and a new president will be elected,” said Mkhwalo. IBA president Umar Kremev said: “We are immenselyproud to be launching theAfrican Boxing Cup named inhonour of Nelson Mandela, aman who symbolises the indomitable human spirit andthe fight for freedom andequ al ity.“This event aims to fosterunity, celebrate diversity, andelevate boxing talent acrossAfrica. This competitionmarks a historic moment inthe sport of boxing; it’s a commitment to nurturing talent,empowering communities andpromoting sportsmanship inthe great continent of Africa.”
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