Linda Ximba
Boxing South Africa (BSA) have suspended the licences of promoter Tshele Kometsi and manager Michael Sediane for assaulting a boxer in the ring.
Kometsi is the boss of TK Boxing Promotions and also chairperson of the Gauteng Boxing Promoters Association.
Sediane, a former professional boxer, manages a number of professional fighters in Johannesburg.
BSA issued a statement quoting acting CEO Nsikayezwe Sithole as saying “Boxing SA hereby announces the suspension of the following licensees: Mr Michael Sediane and Mr Tshele Kometsi.
“Mr Kometsi is already appearing before a disciplinary committee of Boxing SA and his hearing will resume later this month. Mr Sediane, in an incident witnessed live on television, assaulted a boxer and will be appearing before a disciplinary committee of Boxing SA in due course.”
Sithole said Kometsi’s appearance before the disciplinary stemmed from comments he made in the media late last year.
The outspoken promoter blasted the BSA board, saying it was biased and dividing promoters by sanctioning some tournaments while not supporting others.
“It is very clear the board is dividing promoters in the country because some are seen to be more important than others. I, Tshele Kometsi, owed Boxing SA R15,000 and I was told that I cannot host a tournament until I fully paid my debt.
“The same happened to Rumble Africa, TLB and Dream Team promotions. BSA could not sanction their tournaments because they owed money.”
The BSA statement went on to state that the suspensions are an attempt to enhance the integrity of the sport.
“Boxing SA wishes to commend their licensees who are doing everything in their powers to enhance the integrity of the sport.
“It further wishes to advise that those licensees who, for some reason, do not want to conform to the expectation of being exemplary to others, will find themselves facing a disciplinary hearing.”
