Pretoria -The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation has kick-started it’s programme of handing over boxing equipment to boxing clubs across the province.
MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, who made the announcement on Tuesday, said the programme was aimed at ensuring boxers in the province receive quality training.
“Currently, we are negotiating a partnership with the Provincial Boxing Federation that will see the department supporting both the amateur and professional boxers,” she said.
The MEC praised the newly crowned World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion, George Mdluli, 29 from Umhlabuyalingana.
Mduli was ranked number nine on Boxing South Africa’s official ratings before he beat Johannes Salie in Cape Town at the weekend.
Mdluli is now ranked number three.
MEC Sibhidla-Saphetha described Mdluli’s victory as a great achievement for KwaZulu-Natal.
“Mdluli is the first boxer in the province in his division to win this title. His victory augurs well for KwaZulu-Natal’s efforts to revive boxing in the province,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
