Master Box now in SA

Boxers over the age of 35 in the country have a chance at fighting again and contending for provincial and national titles thanks to a new organisation on the rise.

Master Box South Africa (MBSA) is now an associate member of South Africa National Boxing Organisation (Sanbo) as of June 6.

Chairperson of MBSA Stephen Castle, who is based in Fourways, said there had been an overwhelmingly positive response from the public. He said his colleague, Russell van der Merwe, was approached by the World Boxing Foundation four months ago to offer sanctioning on Master Box title fights.

With South Africa not recognising Master Box, Van der Merwe approached former South African boxer, Andre Thysse. “That is when Russell approached me and Andre [Thysse]. Collectively we drew up the rules and regulations for Master Box SA,” he said.

“We then presented Master Box SA to Sanbo at their AGM. There we received a unanimous vote and associated membership was awarded.”

Castle boxed professionally for five years and retired in his late 30s. He has been running South Africa’s oldest boxing gym as well as managing White Collar Boxing Promotion.

He said he felt it was time to take all that experience into Master Box to make it successful. “Negations are already under way for MBSA competitors to be sanctioned for world titles under the World Boxing Foundation.”

He added, “The excitement and unanimous vote received at the Sanbo AGM was very promising for the future for Master Box South Africa.”

Master Box SA has put in number of medical requirements for competitors which includes full medicals to be completed every six months and an HIV test at every event.

The organisation will cater for boxers aged between 35 and 75 in three different experience levels which includes novice, elite or master.

Should Covid-19 regulations be lowered in time, Castle said the official launch of MBSA would be in August.