Boxers need to be paid more and given a chance to broaden their skills to move on to stable jobs.
This is the view of the new Lakhe Boxing Promotion, led by former professional boxer Mandilakhe Sontlaba.
Their first bout in the socioeconomic and sporting ring is to improve earnings and conditions for fighters.
But the second bout is with books — they want their fighters to study so they have commercial life after boxing.
Sontlaba says his own experience in the sport motivated him to step in.
“I boxed for several years, and across 12 bouts, the biggest purse I ever received was R7,000. Later I was offered a 10-round fight for only R5,000. That’s when I quit — the money simply didn’t match the work and sacrifice required,” he said.
Determined to create better opportunities, Sontlaba aims to stage three to four tournaments a year to keep boxers active and earning.
The tournament’s main funder, Samkelo Mxunyelwa of Lunika, shares this vision of long-term athlete support.
“We want to help boxers beyond the once-off payments they get after a fight. Our goal is to see them study or acquire skills so they can build stable lives.
“We want them on our payroll — not just when they fight, but monthly, once they qualify for positions that match their skills.
“We’ve done this with rugby players we sponsor, and we believe it’s possible in boxing too,” Mxunyelwa said.
The nine-bout tournament will be headlined by former SA featherweight champion Zolisa Batyi, who faces Awonke Tini over eight rounds. Former SA minimum-weight champ Siphamandla Baleni will also feature against Abongile Jacobs in a six-round contest.
Also on the cards is former ABU champion Lusizo Manzana, who meets Aphiwe Rasmeni in a six-round bantamweight clash.
The tournament will take place on December 16 at The Venue@Hemingways.
