Veteran\u00a0promoters Hezekiel Mtshali and Obed Molekwa have applauded both sports minister Fikile Mbalula and SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng for answering the call from millions of frustrated boxing followers to bring back boxing live on television and radio.<\/p>\n
Mtshali and Molekwa\u201a who have promoted boxing for over two decades\u201a attended the first tournament that was beamed live on SABC in Boksburg a fortnight ago.<\/p>\n
They said Mbalula and Motsoeneng have saved lives of many South Africans.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoxers\u201a trainers\u201a managers\u201a promoters and fans were dying to see the return of boxing on television\u201a\u201d said Mtshali.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren will now go back to the gyms. Slowly but surely they will move away from bad substances like drinking alcohol excessively and doing drugs because this sport teaches clean living.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce the amateur ranks are in order\u201a then the future of the professionals in bright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Molekwa said: \u201cTo say I am happy is an understatement. Our sport will thrive and actually reclaim its rightful place as the second-most popular spot to football in the country. Well done to Mbalula and Motsoeneng.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mtshali and Molekwa made one heartfelt plea: \u201cMay the roll out of television dates be fair and transparent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boxing SA chairman Muditambi Ravele recently allayed fears that the sporting body will control the dates.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt (the decision) will be between SABC\u201a provincial governments and promoters\u201a but I know for sure that there will bidding processes. Ours will be to make sure boxers are remunerated accordingly and in time\u201a\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Mbalula said: \u201cWe have awakened the giant and I am excited. We will be going to all the provinces once a month.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said Motsoeneng: \u201cIt is about risk. I told Mbalula that if people want to stop us from bringing boxing back on television and radio by taking us to court\u201a then so be it.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Africans are now excited. I am now approached by many business people who want to sponsor boxing. We are coming with miracles\u2026watch this space.\u201d<\/p>\n