The long-awaited boxing extravaganza in Secunda, Mpumalanga, dubbed ‘the Return of the Big Guns’, showcased a glimpse what COVID-19 has deprived the world. The tournament was initially scheduled for March 28, 2020. However, due to the novel coronavirus, it had to be postponed to Saturday.
The Graceland County Club in Secunda has been a home of boxing for decades. On the 20th of March 1977, American Leon Spinks beat Jerry McIntyre by a technical knock-out in this very arena.
The gap-toothed fighter went on and pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in boxing history in 1978.
Defeating Muhammad Ali to take the undisputed world heavyweight title. This year, the main draw-card for the boxing extravaganza, Hekkie Budler, was disappointed not to take into the ring.
He hasn’t been in a competitive bout for more than two years now.
However, those who managed to dust-off the ring rust, gave it their all. Boxing South Africa couldn’t be happier seeing boxers in the ring, so was the provincial sport department.
A total of 10 boxers participated in the extravaganza and Ndongeni of Mount Frere, took the honours in the main bout, beating Byson Gwayani of Malawi.
Full report on this story in the video below:
The event was in commemoration of Human Rights Day and International Women’s Month.
