The provincial boxing tournament at the Giyani Town Hall last Saturday evening is clouded in controversy. A local boxer, Deon Mmbubana, is adamant that the judges’ decision to declare his opponent, Pfariso Khorommbi, the winner, was not a true reflection of the fight itself.

Mmbubana feels that he had won the fight convincingly, saying the judges’ decision left him with more questions than answers. He lost the featherweight bout over four rounds on points.

When asked to comment about the allegations levelled at the judges by Mmbubana, the matchmaker, Mr Ephraim Simba, could only say that “the judges’ decision is final and binding”. He further indicated that they respected the decision, saying if Mmbubana was not happy with the decision it was his own problem.

Pfariso Khorommbi’s trainer coach, Mr Mpho Khorommbi, said that Mmbubana’s argument  was informed by misguided emotions. He stated that if Mmbubana was not satisfied with the judges’ decision, he was at liberty to request a rematch.

In another contest, a local boxer, Paul Masindi, was too strong for his opponent, Thabo Moabi, and he beat him on points. Ranson “Baghdad” Hobyane is the new provincial super middleweight champion. He beat Hanson Baloyi convincingly on points over 10 rounds.

The main bout was between the defending South African bantamweight champion, Bukiwe Nonina, and Nolubabalo Nqgodelane. Nonina successfully defended her title by beating the challenger on points in the only women's bout of the day.

The featherweight bout between Thembani Hobyane and Godfrey Nemukongwe, which was scheduled over six rounds, did not materialize. According to Simba, Nemukongwe was declared medically unfit for the fight shortly before the event.

In the meantime, three female boxers from Vhembe District, Lizzy Sivhaga, Maria Sivhaga and Ryder Muleba, will challenge for different national titles at the Oriental Theatre in East London tomorrow evening. Lizzy Sivhaga will meet flyweight champion Asandiswa Nxokwana, and Maria Sivhaga will rub shoulders with featherweight champion Mathonsi Nozwelethi. Ryder Muleba’s opponent was still to be named at the time of going to press.