After a few hiccups over the date and venue, the third edition of the annual Madiba boxing celebrations will finally take place at the Orient Theatre tonight.
Presented by Xaba Promotions and Events, the show was beset by uncertainty when it was first postponed from July 22.
Then there was an issue of the venue when it was first scheduled to be held at Selborne Tennis Court.
But with the bad weather sweeping through the province, organisers felt safer to move it to the Orient Theatre even though there is still concern over the capacity of the venue.
XPE boss Ayanda Matiti said after careful consideration he decided to move it to the Orient Theatre which, although not an adequate venue, resonates more with fans than the Selborne Tennis Court.
The late shift of venue was causing a minor headache for SABC TV as the lines had already been installed at Selborne.
But Matiti said all relevant stakeholders were consulted before taking the decision to move the show.
However, many boxing fans who had expressed doubt of attending the show when it was to be held at Selborne due to the expected cold weather will now be able to flock to the venue, renowned as the boxing battling ground of the region.
The main bout will see Makazole Tete vying for the IBF Intercontinental junior bantamweight crown against Filipino Raymond Tabugon.
Tabugon is known in local boxing circles as he fought at the venue before when he beat Duncan Village boxer Luzuko Siyo two years ago.
On the other hand, Tete is still on a comeback after losing to Gideon Buthelezi in a world title clash, a decision that forced him to rope in former world champion Vuyani Bungu as his trainer.
In other bouts, newly-crowned SA junior lightweight champion Aphiwe Mboyiya will engage in his second title clash in less than two months when he takes on Filipino Jerry Castroverde for the IBF Youth crown.
Mboyiya was in action at the same venue in June as Abmerk Shindjuu when he dispossessed Jasper Seroka of his national crown.
Mthatha’s Athi Dumezweni, who was also in action last month, will take a giant leap in his quest for world title honours when he takes on Namibian Abmerk Shindjuu for the WBO Africa junior bantamweight crown.
The local derby will play out between Mdantsane’s Daluxolo Mangcotywa and Siphamandla Baleni who hails from Mthatha but has since relocated to Mdantsane.
There will be a debut by former Olympian Siphiwe Lusizi under XPE.
Matiti said the bumper night will also feature performances by music stars to keep spectators enthralled in between bouts.
“We will make this a night to remember in honour of Madiba.
“I urge people to come in their numbers, mindful of the fact that there is a limited space,” he added.
XPE tourney to honour Madiba in grand style
Presented by Xaba Promotions and Events, the show was beset by uncertainty when it was first postponed from July 22.
Then there was an issue of the venue when it was first scheduled to be held at Selborne Tennis Court.
But with the bad weather sweeping through the province, organisers felt safer to move it to the Orient Theatre even though there is still concern over the capacity of the venue.
XPE boss Ayanda Matiti said after careful consideration he decided to move it to the Orient Theatre which, although not an adequate venue, resonates more with fans than the Selborne Tennis Court.
The late shift of venue was causing a minor headache for SABC TV as the lines had already been installed at Selborne.
But Matiti said all relevant stakeholders were consulted before taking the decision to move the show.
However, many boxing fans who had expressed doubt of attending the show when it was to be held at Selborne due to the expected cold weather will now be able to flock to the venue, renowned as the boxing battling ground of the region.
The main bout will see Makazole Tete vying for the IBF Intercontinental junior bantamweight crown against Filipino Raymond Tabugon.
Tabugon is known in local boxing circles as he fought at the venue before when he beat Duncan Village boxer Luzuko Siyo two years ago.
On the other hand, Tete is still on a comeback after losing to Gideon Buthelezi in a world title clash, a decision that forced him to rope in former world champion Vuyani Bungu as his trainer.
In other bouts, newly-crowned SA junior lightweight champion Aphiwe Mboyiya will engage in his second title clash in less than two months when he takes on Filipino Jerry Castroverde for the IBF Youth crown.
Mboyiya was in action at the same venue in June as Abmerk Shindjuu when he dispossessed Jasper Seroka of his national crown.
Mthatha’s Athi Dumezweni, who was also in action last month, will take a giant leap in his quest for world title honours when he takes on Namibian Abmerk Shindjuu for the WBO Africa junior bantamweight crown.
The local derby will play out between Mdantsane’s Daluxolo Mangcotywa and Siphamandla Baleni who hails from Mthatha but has since relocated to Mdantsane.
There will be a debut by former Olympian Siphiwe Lusizi under XPE.
Matiti said the bumper night will also feature performances by music stars to keep spectators enthralled in between bouts.
“We will make this a night to remember in honour of Madiba.
“I urge people to come in their numbers, mindful of the fact that there is a limited space,” he added.
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