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Boxing SA (BSA) and other stakeholders have welcomed the decision to have the SABC broadcast live professional boxing – after almost a three-year blackout.
In 2012, the public broadcaster placed a blanket ban on screening the sport on its television and radio channels.
Last week, the SABC announced that it had signed an agreement with the boxing authority to bring the sport back into the spotlight.
An official launch of the agreement will be held on Friday when the details will be announced, according to SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
BSA board chairperson Ntambi Ravele said the controlling body welcomed the latest development.
“We welcome the move by the SABC to televise boxing. It has been painful for our fighters to fight out of the country because of the impact of the blackout.
“This is a breath of fresh air,” said Ravele.
World Boxing Council representative Peter Ngatane also hailed the end of the SABC broadcasting blackout.
He said it would enable professional boxing to flourish once again.
“Boxers and trainers have suffered for far too long as a result of the blackout.
“Promoters have also been struggling to make a living by staging tournaments. This is good for boxing in the country,” said Ngatane.
Trainer Nick Durandt, whose charge is current International Boxing Organisation flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane, lauded the decision.
“Credit must be given to Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula for the manner in which he has been negotiating to have boxing back on SABC TV,” said Durandt.
“Our boxers will once more be watched live at home while fighting abroad,” he added.
Gauteng Promoters’ Association chairperson Xoli Gumede said: “This is good because [broadcasting] boxing will bring back public confidence [in the sport].”
Motsoeneng said the public broadcaster had accumulated funds to ensure that it was able to finance requirements for screening matches.
“We have signed a contract with the BSA. We need boxers who will attract the audience. All details will be revealed at the launch,” he said.
Motsoeneng said he hoped that the court case by boxing promoter Branco Milenkovic would be resolved speedily.
Milenkovic took the BSA and the SABC to court in 2012 to block the parties from signing a broadcasting rights deal, because of the question about whether boxing promoters or the BSA owned broadcast rights.
Milenkovic said he could not comment on the new deal, as he “knew nothing” about the launch
