Free State to give boxers fighting chance

written by Galoome Shopane

Sport, arts and culture

Boxing has a long and proud history in the Free State, and the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is determined to build on that heritage.

The province, in partnership with Skylon Promotions, recently hosted the Freezing Point Boxing Tournament in Welkom.

The tournament sought to give local boxers the opportunity to compete at a professional level, to strategically position boxing as a sport that can be enjoyed by the community, and to foster social cohesion.

The main bout, the SA Junior Featherweight title fight, saw Matshidiso ‘The Wasp’ Mokebisi successfully defend her title against Melissa ‘Honey Bee’ Miller.

The main supporting bout was between Jappie Mafatle and Gift Pilane, for the  fighting for the featherweight title. Pilane won after just one round.

The MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mathabo Leeto welcomed the re-introduction of boxing to the province, adding: “This tournament will assist us in sustaining the boxing momentum.

“It is also important to mention that the department has made strides in promoting boxing in the province through the Macufe Boxing Tournament we host annually. The rich history and heritage that boxing has in our country must be preserved and promoted.”