By Linda Ximba
Loadshedding cost enthusiastic fans an electrifying boxing match at a packed Multipurpose Hall in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday afternoon.
Fans had flocked into the venue eager to witness and cheer on some local rising boxing stars and of course, the main fight of the day between defending World Boxing Federation (WBF) International middleweight champion Ayanda Mthembu and Sinamile Ntuli.
But with only three rounds having been fought, the lights went off, much to the disappointment of the crowd.
An annoyed tournament promoter Zwi Magudulela of Ludonga Boxing Promoter and Boxing South Africa KZN manager Mike Dube rushed outside the venue to have a word with the guys operating the generator.
A few minutes later the lights were on and action resumed until the third round ended. But a minute into the fourth round of action, it was all dark in the hall, prompting the fans to accuse the generator operator of sabotaging the tournament.
Again in the fourth round there was a power outage just when it looked like a raging Mthembu was about to score a knockout against a wobbling Ntuli.
“You have been sent to sabotage this event!! Why do you keep switching off the generator?” charged one fan with sweat running down his cheeks.
After some consultation with the tournament supervisor, WBF president Howard Goldberg decided to halt the proceedings. Ring announcer Sipho Mashego then told the crowd the bad news.
“As you can see the power failure continues. What is happening here is beyond our control. It has been unfortunately decided that this fight should not go ahead and it’s ruled a no contest. The promoter will organise another date for it. We thank you for coming in numbers to support the tournament,” said Mashego.
Magudulela apologised to the dejected crowd and promised to stage another tournament early next year where Mthembu and Ntuli will settle the score once and for all.
In another WBF international junior bantamweight fight, Sabelo Cebekhulu scored a third round technical knockout over Mawande Maatros.
Pictured above: Trainer Sizwe Mthembu and Sabelo Cebekhulu
Image source: Supplied
