Amateur boxing showdown will unearth the best of the best

DU TOITSPAN Primary School in Beaconsfield will be transformed into a battleground when the Battle of the Best Amateur Boxing Tournament takes place on Saturday.

Organised by Kharisma Projects in conjunction with the Francis Baard Boxing Organisation, this event promises to be more than just an ordinary slugfest.

This highly-anticipated event is set to bring together the cream of the crop from every boxing club invited, and as the district amateur boxing championships, it will also serve as the selection ground for the district cadet team, which will represent the Northern Cape at the upcoming South African National Championships in Kuruman in August.

Mosa Ntlangula, director of Kharisma Projects, expressed excitement about the tournament’s competitive edge.

“We have invited three boxing clubs from the Free State, and we are expecting 30 or more boxers from the Free State. It’s going to be a showdown between the Northern Cape and the Free State!” Ntlangula remarked.

The event’s highlight will not only be the fierce contests between the Northern Cape and Free State boxers but also the selection of the provincial cadet team.

Here at home, all eyes will be on Bonolo Odumetsi from the Freedom Boxing Club. Odumetsi, a two-time South African champion, is aiming for her third title this year. Ntlangula emphasised Odumetsi’s significance, saying, “She is a real representation of women in boxing and a true example that women can also shine in male-dominated sports.

“As we are still celebrating the spirit of Madiba and entering Women's Month, what a way to celebrate our youth and our women.”

The event will run from 12 noon to 7pm, with an entrance fee of R50 for adults and R30 for children. Female competitors will be fighting in the following weight categories:

Cadets: 36kg and 48kg

JUNIORS: 44kg, 60kg and 84kg

YOUTH: 54kg, 60kg and 63.5kg

ELITE: 60kg

In addition to the fierce competition, eight prestigious trophies will be awarded after the final bell has rung:

Best of the Best Male Cadet

Best of the Best Female Cadet

Best of the Best Junior (Male)

Best of the Best Junior (Female)

Best of the Best Youth (Male)

Best of the Best Youth (Female)

Best of the Best Elite (Male)

Best of the Best Elite (Female)