This mouth-watering boxing extravaganza will feature the likes of Hector “Hekkie” Budler and Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni. The tournament has been dubbed the “Return of the Big Guns” because the sport returns to its spiritual home in Mpumalanga after a long absence, and it will also be the first time in two years that Hekkie squares up in a competitive bout.
The former WBA and IBF world light-flyweight champion is involved in the main bout against Mushin Kizota of Tanzania.
The diminutive pugilist will want to mark his return to the ring with a win in the 10-round international flyweight match against the Tanzanian. “We are excited to have a top-flight boxing returning to Mpumalanga.
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The six-bout tournament will whet the appetite of boxing fans and will go a long way in reviving the sport in the province,” said the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Thandi Shongwe.
The department, in partnership with TLB Boxing Promotions, will deliver the tournament and it will be hosted under strict Covid-19 protocols and in a biosecure environment. Other mouthwatering fights on the bill include, Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndogeni against Byson Gwayani of Malawi in a 10-round international lightweight bout. In the only female bout of the day Noxolo Makhanavu will defend her national title against Smangele Hadebe.
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In a 10-round Mpumalanga derby, Sam Sithole will fight Xolani Mgidi. The boxing spectacle will conclude with two four-round bouts. The first one will feature Talent Baloi against Sando Jackson of Malawi in a lightweight bout and conclude with Njabulo Merile squaring up against Nkululeko Mdletshe in a junior lightweight bout.
