Linda Ximba
Three years after hanging up his gloves due to an ear injury, former South African middleweight champion Christopher Buthelezi is yet to be compensated by Boxing South Africa.
According to a Boxing SA policy, any boxer who sustains an injury in the ring is entitled to claim insurance. Boxers contribute 1.5% from their purses every fight which goes towards the benevolent fund.
The fund pays towards rehabilitation for a boxer who sustains injuries during an official match.
Durban-based Buthelezi, who last donned the gloves in 2017, told Scrolla.Africa he suffered an injury in his right ear during a fight against Nkhaphathe Mpambanyeni in Umlazi in 2010.
“We were contesting for the national vacant title and afterwards it was detected my ear had been badly injured. But I persevered because I rely on boxing as jobs are scarce and have four kids and a wife to feed,” said Buthelezi.
Buthelezi added: “So from 2010 up to 2017 I had been fighting while suffering pain silently. And when I approached BSA enquiring about the insurance claim since they used to deduct some percent from my purse money, I didn’t find any joy as I was sent from pillar to post. My eardrum is still not functioning well because of that beating.”
The 46-year-old who is now a matchmaker assisting KwaZulu-Natal promoters in putting together tournaments, retired having not lost his title and boasts over 40 fights.
BSA KZN manager Mike Dube advised Buthelezi to approach their offices and provide a medical certificate confirming he has an injury.
Dube appealed to other KZN boxers seeking assistance to approach their offices for assistance.
Meanwhile, Buthelezi has backed Ayanda Mthembu to win the SA middleweight title currently held by Nkululeko “Bulldog” Buthelezi. The two gladiators are set to collide in Durban next month.
“My heart is with Mthembu because we used to be gym mates at Ludonga Boxing Gym. He is facing a credible and dangerous opponent in Mhlongo but if he takes the fight to the champion, he stands a chance of causing an upset,” said the retired former champion.
