Although the indigenous form of boxing, Musangwe, is currently enjoying huge sponsorship from the JTK Entertainment Company, the Tshivhase Royal Council has pledged its undivided support to the sport through Vho-Thovhele Midiyavhathu Kennedy Tshivhase.

Tshivhase was speaking during the official opening ceremony of the finals of Musangwe at the Makonde Stadium on Saturday. Tshivhase stated that the Royal Council was committed to preserving the Venda culture and they felt bound to lend a helping hand to Musangwe as it forms part of the Venda culture. He praised the organizers for bringing back the forgotten cultural sport.

Thirty bouts took place in the senior categories during last Saturday’s tournament. Several non-title fights were seen before the start of the championship fights.

In the senior category, Fire and Foster were the first to enter the ring. The referee was forced to stop the fight in a bid to save Fire’s life. Fire’s nose was bleeding profusely when the fight was stopped. When Lion started roaring inside the ring, Condom was the first to challenge him.

Lion showed his supporters that he was not roaring for nothing when he convincingly beat Condom, who did not hesitate to raise his hand as a way to accept defeat. The next fight was between Cremora and Ultramel. Cremora was declared the winner, after it was realised that Ultramel was applying dirty tricks.

The most entertaining fight was between Zulu and Ngwazi. Ngwazi was declared the winner after Zulu started to employ time-wasting tactics. Ntakadzeni “Cybok” Madala was declared the May 2009 champion after he beat his challenger, Mbudznei “Kota” Mbulawa. Cybok was presented with a trophy and a cash prize of R25 000 during a prize-giving ceremony that was held at the stadium later in the afternoon.