It is all systems go for the seven-bout boxing showdown which will see Gqeberha boxers Mbulelo Gwabeni and Sanele Magwaza fight for the vacant Eastern Cape junior-featherweight title in the headliner.
The event, staged by Silindokuhle Boxing Promotions in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, will take place at the Tambo Village Hall in KwaLanga, Kariega.
Sibongile Nkebe of Silindokuhle Boxing Promotions said the event aimed to keep local boxers active but, most importantly, to prepare them for national title fights.
In their last meet-up in November, it was Gwabeni who emerged victorious but this time around Magwaza, who is under new management, will be out for revenge.
“Our preparations for Saturday’s event have gone well, everything has been running smoothly,” Nkebe said.
“We are ready to host the tournament, the boxers are also fit and ready to compete.
“We have the vacant Eastern Cape junior-featherweight title at stake which is our main bout.
“This is the first fight of the year here in [Nelson Mandela Bay].
“In fact, it’s the first boxing fight for 2025 in the whole of the province, it has been recorded like that.
“So, boxing lovers can expect some fireworks on Saturday.
“There is also continuity because the boxers who are fighting now fought in our last event for 2024.
“They have proven that they are [ready] to take boxing in the city and province to the next level, that is why we are giving them this opportunity to keep them active and heighten their confidence levels.
“Further, this opportunity will also allow them to fix their mistakes and improve their skills in the sport.
“Doing so will allow us to reach our goal of producing champions in the Bay.
“This is the perfect step for us in achieving that goal by starting with the East Cape title bout.
“We are nurturing them and preparing them for the national stage and greater heights.”
Nkebe urged boxing supporters to fill the Tambo Village Hall, saying they would not be disappointed and would get value for money.
“Those who attended our previous tournament witnessed some thrilling action and they should expect the same from this weekend’s event,” he said.
“In the main bout, no-one will complain about fewer rounds because when the two first met last year, they only fought six rounds but now it will be 10 rounds.
“We are expecting an exciting and nail-biting encounter between the two boxers.
“They have prepared well for the fight and look sharp.
“We are confident that they will give fans a performance that will keep them on the edge of their sets. There will be fireworks.
“In their previous fight, Magwaza lost and he says he is looking for revenge, but Gwabeni says he has beaten him before and he’s capable of doing it again.”
Other fights include Ayanda Gangqa vs Aiphile Xhipholwana (junior-bantamweight), Aphiwe Magobiyane vs Njongo Skweyiya (junior-lightweight 6-round), Bonwabile Mnyungula vs Malibongwe Balakisi (featherweight 6-round), Milani George vs Luthando Calata (mini-flyweight 4- round), Maxh Paraffinifin vs Siyamnkela Gqubule (mini-flyweight 4-round), Uyanda Mtongana vs Siphesihle Mpolweni (bantamweight 4-round).
There will also be three curtain-raising open amateur bouts in the Road to Pro fight tour.
The official weigh-in is at the Tambo Village Hall at noon.
Doors will open from 1pm on Saturday, with the card starting at 2pm.
The Herald
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