By Chris Totobela
Boxers from three local boxing clubs were given an opportunity to feel each other out during a friendly tournament held at the Joza Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday.
The tournament featured boxers from Golden Gloves, Masibambane and Thembalethu clubs.
Interestingly, the three clubs had all missed the Makabo monthly tournament held two weeks ago, with only two local clubs – Mfuzo Boxing Camp and Vukani Boxing Club – taking part .
It was also noticeable that both Mfuzo and Vukani also did not attend this past weekend’s friendly tournament.
Tournament organiser Khayalethu Richards told Grocott’s Mail that all clubs were invited. “We had invited all the local clubs to this event and those who did not attend, it was their choice.”
He went on to confirm that the tournament was part of the Makabo boxing calendar.
When asked who had the authority to host tournaments, this was Richard’s response: “We are guided by the Sanabo and Makabo monthly boxing calendars and this tournament forms part of those calendars.”
There were some interesting bouts that got the crowd going at the friendly tournament. The first one was between Iminam Nyaba of Thembalethu BC and Linothando Gojela of Golden Gloves. There was also a clash between Golden Gloves’ Lino Zonke and Philasande Myeza of Masibambane, and the bouts were won by Nyaba and Myeza respectively.
Richards went on to thank all those who had taken part in the tournament, including the spectators and the boxers’ parents.