World boxing champion Zolani Tete is not prepared to be discouraged from venturing into the promotion business because of minor challenges.
The 29-year-old Mdantsane boxer, who remains the only one in the country to hold a major world title-WBO bantamweight belt, is planning a major tournament before the end of the year in East London.
Tete nicknamed “Last Born” formed Last Born Promotions (LBP) to help promote his bouts.
However he encountered challenges when his application for funding by the provincial government was declined resulting in him having to go all the way to Belfast, Northern Ireland for his title defence against KwaZulu-Natal’s Siboniso Gonya.
The fight is scheduled for November 18 in the SSE Arena.
While his hope of a fight at home has diminished for now, Tete is surging ahead with his goals of using Last Born Promotions as a formidable force in boxing promotion.
He recently signed a deal with Golden Gloves Promotions to jointly promote tournaments in East London.
Tete’s manager Mla Tengimfene declined to reveal details about the deal which has been seen by the Daily Dispatch.
“Nothing has been concluded for now,” said Tengimfene.
However GGP boss Rodney Berman confirmed that plans were afoot to partner with Last Born Promotions to organise a boxing extravaganza in East London.
“Until we have a date we cannot reveal much,” he said.
The announcement of the date is currently being delayed by Last Born Promotions’ application of a television date at SuperSport which airs Berman’s shows.
The relationship between Berman and Tete has been healthy for a while now and the Mdantsane boxer even took time off from his training camp to attend Berman’s tournament which was held at Emperors Palace a fortnight ago.
The tournament featured Tete’s homeboys Simpiwe Vetyeka and Azinga Fuzile fighting Lerato Dlamini and Tshifhiwa Munyai respectively in Featherweight Super Four Series quarterfinals.
Vetyeka lost to Dlamini while Fuzile knocked out Munyai in three rounds.
While the details of the deal are still under wraps, the Dispatch can reveal that GGP boxers, including Mthatha-born Simpiwe Konkco, will be featured in the tournament.
LBP boxers, including female sensation Sharoddene Fortuin, are also rumoured to be on the bill.
Tengimfene has roped in a number of boxers under his management team but due to the absence of a promoter he has been unable to give them fights leading to him eventually releasing them to pursue their careers elsewhere.
“The deal between LBP and GGP will afford all Tengimfene managed boxers activity going forward,” one insider who is privy to negotiations said. — Boxing Mecca
Tete will not ease up on new ring role
The 29-year-old Mdantsane boxer, who remains the only one in the country to hold a major world title-WBO bantamweight belt, is planning a major tournament before the end of the year in East London.
Tete nicknamed “Last Born” formed Last Born Promotions (LBP) to help promote his bouts.
However he encountered challenges when his application for funding by the provincial government was declined resulting in him having to go all the way to Belfast, Northern Ireland for his title defence against KwaZulu-Natal’s Siboniso Gonya.
The fight is scheduled for November 18 in the SSE Arena.
While his hope of a fight at home has diminished for now, Tete is surging ahead with his goals of using Last Born Promotions as a formidable force in boxing promotion.
He recently signed a deal with Golden Gloves Promotions to jointly promote tournaments in East London.
Tete’s manager Mla Tengimfene declined to reveal details about the deal which has been seen by the Daily Dispatch.
“Nothing has been concluded for now,” said Tengimfene.
However GGP boss Rodney Berman confirmed that plans were afoot to partner with Last Born Promotions to organise a boxing extravaganza in East London.
“Until we have a date we cannot reveal much,” he said.
The announcement of the date is currently being delayed by Last Born Promotions’ application of a television date at SuperSport which airs Berman’s shows.
The relationship between Berman and Tete has been healthy for a while now and the Mdantsane boxer even took time off from his training camp to attend Berman’s tournament which was held at Emperors Palace a fortnight ago.
The tournament featured Tete’s homeboys Simpiwe Vetyeka and Azinga Fuzile fighting Lerato Dlamini and Tshifhiwa Munyai respectively in Featherweight Super Four Series quarterfinals.
Vetyeka lost to Dlamini while Fuzile knocked out Munyai in three rounds.
While the details of the deal are still under wraps, the Dispatch can reveal that GGP boxers, including Mthatha-born Simpiwe Konkco, will be featured in the tournament.
LBP boxers, including female sensation Sharoddene Fortuin, are also rumoured to be on the bill.
Tengimfene has roped in a number of boxers under his management team but due to the absence of a promoter he has been unable to give them fights leading to him eventually releasing them to pursue their careers elsewhere.
“The deal between LBP and GGP will afford all Tengimfene managed boxers activity going forward,” one insider who is privy to negotiations said. — Boxing Mecca
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