Boxing promoter Sandile Vilakazi aims to restore the reputation of the KwaZulu-Natal belt, who has appointed veteran boxers.
Vilakazi who is the manager of Siyathaba Boxing Promotions, has organized the fights to be held on February 28, at the APN Portuguese Hall, Durban. The fight of the day will be for the KZN Featherweight belt between Tholumusa “Teacher” Ngema (6-3-3) from Mpangeni and Sithembiso Maduna (13-6-0) from Mnambithi.
Both of these boxers are coming back from belt fights in South Africa and overseas where they fought well-known opponents. In addition, there are belts that they have won, including the provincial ones.
What these boxers have in common is that they both faced the same opponent, Khanyisani Mbokazi from Mandeni, in their recent fights. Maduna cried under Mbokazi in October last year, Eshowe. Ngema last entered the ring in March 2024 when he lost to Mbokazi in Mtshezi.
Vilakazi said he chose to cheat Maduna and Ngema because he wants to bring back the fights that attract people to KZN boxing.
“I want to show that the KZN belt has dignity, that’s why I am cheating experienced boxers. It should be clear that the provincial belt is not something that is given to low-level boxers. It still has dignity. I want to bring back that rivalry of wanting to take the money out of the boxers in the province. That’s why I chose boxers who are already strong,” said Vilakazi.
Apart from the fight between Maduna and Ngema, there is another one that is being watched by many which will be between the veteran, Prince Dlomo (17-15-1) from Mgungundlovu who was the SA Junior Welterweight champion and Phumelele Ngcobo (4-0-0) from Pinetown, who is already a strong contender.
Dlomo held the Mzansi belt between 2021 and 2023, defending it several times against respected boxers including Xolani Mcotheli from East London. He was usurped by Ntethelelo Nkosi from Mtubatuba, who killed him in 2023.
“I want to test Phumelele at what level he is in boxing. This fight will make me see that because he will fight a boxer who was the champion of Mzansi and who defended the belt many times. It does not help to stay with the boxer, you keep protecting him by giving him easy fights. That does not help. We want Phumele to pass this test,” said Vilakazi.