On Saturday, July 27, the OR Tambo Hall in Site C, in Khayelitsha, will come alive with the sounds of gloves hitting mitts, the roar of the crowd, and the unmistakable energy of a professional boxing match.
The Dr Nelson Mandela Commemoration Boxing Bonanza promises to be a landmark event in Khayelitsha’s boxing history, significant for a community known for its grassroots and amateur boxing tournaments.
With a stacked fight card and a blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, The Amazing Grace as the tournament is dubbed, is organised by David Faas Productions and features 16 professional fighters and eight exciting bouts.
The headline event pits former three-time world champion Gideon “Hardcore” Buthelezi, from the Vaal, against Tinashe Majoni, from Zimbabwe, in a highly anticipated World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental junior-bantamweight title clash.
Known for his relentless style and impressive record of 23 wins and six defeats, Hardcore Buthelezi is eager to reclaim his glory after two years out of the boxing ring.
Majoni, however, is no walkover. He has an impressive nine wins in 10 fights, which includes five knockouts and four unanimous points decision wins.
Promoter Faas said the last time they had a boxing event of this magnitude in Khayelitsha was in November 2015.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of cries from people that love boxing. Khayelitsha used to be the Mecca of boxing. It has produced many world champions over the years. It has been almost 10 years, the last event being in November 2015, that we saw a professional match. It is one of the biggest townships in the country, it cannot, not have boxing events and champions,” said Faas.
“We have a former three-time champion, Hardcore, taking on a promising fighter. Majoni fought big names in Namibia and came back victorious. You don’t go to Namibia and do that. In his 10 fights, he won nine,” he said.
The main supporting bout features Ntombokuqala Tolashe, from 9Sai Boxing, facing off against Matshidiso Mokebisi, for the vacant SA female featherweight title.
Tolashe, a local favourite, brings a powerful combination of speed and agility to the ring, with six wins (one knockout) and four defeats.
Mokebisi, a former WBF International bantamweight and SA super bantam champion, has the experience of 18 wins, 12 losses, and two draws, including seven knockouts.
“Mokebisi has experience and Tolashe is hungry. It’s a fight, they are evenly matched to encourage female boxers,” he said.
In another exciting matchup, Sikelela “Six” Xatasi, from Fish Hoek, will take on Yamikani Mtambo, from Malawi, for the vacant ABU-SADC junior light title.
Under the training camp of coach Tyron Lloyd, Xatasi is known for his precision and technique and has a perfect record of five wins.
Mtambo has a record of four wins and one loss. Two of his wins come via knockouts.
Making a comeback after being inactive for two years, Anathi Hela, from Strand, will battle Ayanda Gangqa from Gqeberha in a six-round bantamweight fight.
Hela has a record of five wins and three losses, while Gangqa comes in the ring with three wins, two losses, and a draw.
Former amateur boxing champion turned professional prodigy, Okuhle Mthi, from Mdantsane and Khayelitsha, will face Emihle Ntunjana, from Langa, in a six-round female flyweight bout. Mthi has two wins and a draw, while Ntunjana has one win and seven defeats.
Faas said the event will also feature several four-round bouts showcasing local talent; Siphe Boyana versus Simamkele Finini, Avuyile Mpikwa versus Endinakho Mlonyeni, and Mava Sitoto versus Axolile Gabhuza.
“Xatasi’s trainer, Lloyd, said he will bring a crowd of 120 people… Boxing didn’t die, boxing is alive, in town. The only problem is no promoters are promoting in Khayelitsha. We are inviting the newly appointed sport, arts, and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie to come and witness this. The hall can take up to 3000 people and the event will be streamed live by Spy Inc Productions on YouTube, from noon,” said Faas.
