Boxing over the moon as fans get green light to attend

THE boxing fraternity are over the moon following Boxing South Africa's announcement that fans can return to tournaments with immediate effect.

Boxing SA, the country's boxing controlling body, said tournament officials will have to provide proof of a negative test, not older than 72 hours, on the day of the weigh-in. Strangely, fans will not be required to provide proof of vaccination or negative tests when entering the venue. They will be required to observe the usual protocols like wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitisation.

Gauteng's Manny Fernandes, a former Boxing SA Trainer of the Year award winner, said he was pleased to have sponsors ringside again. "I am super excited that fans can watch boxing again," said Fernandes. "It also means that sponsors and their guests can be ringside. Sponsorship is the lifeblood of boxing, and it's wonderful that we can have our sponsors at tournaments."

The Mpumalanga boxing promoter Thinus Strydom, who was recently decorated by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for his ground-breaking transformation initiatives during the dark days of Apartheid, said he was overwhelmed.

"What the government don't realise is that many boxers are drawn from the poorest communities, and a boxing career can be life-changing for both boxer and their families," said Strydom. "So many boxers have already thrown in the towel because of the lack of opportunities.

"By opening the doors, it means more promoters will start staging events, and that translates to opportunities for boxers.“

Leading SA matchmaker and agent Willie Saayman said the boxing fraternity welcomed the news with great excitement. Jackie Brice of Jackie Brice Promotions said the news was long overdue. "During the hard lockdown months, we continued to plough money into boxing by staging three tournaments," said Brice. "It was tough because there was no gate income. I have tournaments coming up, and it's great that we can welcome fans back.“

Seasoned South African boxing trainer Gert Strydom of Randburg was puzzled that fans are not required to provide proof of vaccination at the entrance.

"Strangely, spectators will not have to provide proof of tests or a vaccination certificate at a boxing event," said Strydom.

"Why is it then fighters and cornermen must be tested? Will it be safe to allow spectators without presenting proof of a negative Covid test? I think we need to know that it is safe to admit the crowd after we have proof of their Covid status and vaccination."

Recently, national boxing was given a shot in the arm after South Africa was removed from Britain's red list which will do away with travel restrictions. Many SA promoters have strong ties with British boxers who have featured in local tournaments over the last few years.