There is no denying that social media has become part of our lives if not virtually controlling it.
It has impacted on our routine with either good or bad consequences, depending on how one looks at it.
In sport it has brought fans closer to their idols, even those from abroad.
In a recent breakfast gathering to officially hand over world boxing champion Zolani Tete his luxury car at MercedesBenz SA in the East London plant, SuperSport communications boss Clint van der Berg, who was one of the guests, emphasised the necessity of boxers to use social media to market themselves.
“Make use of social media to market yourselves so that you are known out there,” he said.
“There is no question about the crucial aspect social media plays in our lives these days.”
However, social media has also had adverse consequences in other facets.
This when boxers often come to a collision course with the fans over some of the topics being debated.
By nature boxers are the most sensitive sports people due to a number of factors.
They do not take kindly to criticism.
This is due to boxing being a combat sport involving two people trying to hurt and maim each other.
For someone to simply criticise without taking into cognisance the sacrifice and bravery he has displayed can rub him up the wrong way.
For instance, every boxer cries after losing a bout and for fans to add to that pain can be unbearable.
Which is why boxers often challenge their critics to back their remarks and fight them.
With the advent of social media, fans can easily hide behind their keyboards or smartphones to say anything, with little consideration of the boxer’s feelings.
Reigning SA junior-lightweight champion Phila Mpontshane is a victim of such social media bashing.
Mpontshane was embroiled in a heated debate with a fan after a social media misunderstanding.
Ever an outspoken boxer, Mpontshane challenged the fan, leading to a fierce exchange of words as more people entered the fray, some siding with him while others felt he was being disrespectful.
“I have always said that boxers must not be part of social media because fans can say disturbing things,” one fan said.
Commenting on the incident Mpontshane says he does not feel the need to stop interacting with fans on social media.
“Not all of them are like that,” he said.
But the tiff had an unfortunate consequence as it led to him being booed when he was declared the winner in his following fight against Koos Sibiya of Johannesburg.
Another boxer who felt the wrath of the fans on social media is WBF world lightweight champion Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni.
A well mannered boxer like Mpontshane, who does not drink nor smoke, Ndongeni was accused by a fan of being aloof on social media.
He says he met this fan outside a supermarket while he was in his sponsored car.
“I was busy speaking with my father on the phone telling me what I should buy,” he says.
“This bra came and greeted me and I greeted him back and signalled to him that I was busy on the phone. I thought he had left but apparently he waited. After putting the phone down I went to the supermarket. Next thing I read on social media that I was aloof and that I had ignored this guy because I am driving a sponsored car.”
The Daily Dispatch saw the post, with the guy even wishing Ndongeni comes down to earth for being aloof.
However, those who know Ndongeni took the whole incident with a grain salt.
Other boxers such as IBO welterweight champion Thulani Mbenge use social media to market their fights and thank their handlers after the bout.
They shy away from engaging fans with topical issues.
And by nature boxing fans can be douches who often take any disagreement as hatred.
Top Duncan Village trainer Mzamo Njekanye, who produced Ndongeni and Azinga Fuzile, says he does not even have a social media account because he cannot stand remarks made by the fans.
“I must say some remarks rile me big time, such as when one person I knew insinuated that under my tutelage Azinga was overweight, hence he left for Colin Nathan in Johannesburg,” he said.
“What upset most is that this person used to come to my gym and watch me train my boxers.”
Indeed Njekanye was so upset that he asked the Dispatch to print his profanity-laden comments...