By Linda Ximba
The disgraced J4Joy Boxing Promotions company has finally paid ring officials who were mandated to take charge of a World Boxing Federation (WBF) championship fight in Durban last December.
The tournament was postponed twice and later cancelled, leaving Boxing South Africa (BSA) officials with egg on their faces.
The cancellation also hit the local and international boxers, who had dug deep into their pockets to prepare for the fights.
The cancellation undoubtedly brought the sport into disrepute.
Lulama Mtya, who was to be a judge in the WBF bantamweight clash between South Africa’s Lindi Memani and Jorge Luis Orozco Mendoza from Mexico, told Scrolla.Africa he got paid on Tuesday.
“I received my money on Tuesday and I double checked with my colleagues (Simphiwo Mbini and Siya Vabaza) to hear whether they were sorted too.
“They confirmed having received their money as well. While we are elated, the cancellation cost us, because we had budgeted for Christmas needs. I hope the embarrassment does not recur,” said Mtya.
Meanwhile, acting BSA CEO Erick Sithole said their legal team will soon decide on a date for J4Joy Boxing Promotions bosses to explain themselves.
Initially the tournament was scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 11 December, but there were serious problems that necessitated two postponements.
Scrolla.Africa has gathered that among the issues faced by promoter Jacob Mnisi was his failure to meet the international boxers’ financial obligations, as well as the non-payment of a sanctioning fee to the WBF.
Four titles were meant to be fought for in the event.
Pictured above: Joy4Joy Promotions officials with Zulu King Misuzulu
Image source: Supplied
