FOX SPORT BOXING TOURNEY GOES TO KWAZULU-NATAL

MBABANE – International boxing will come alive in KwaZulu-Natal after almost 30 years when Fox Sports and Sun International join hands to stage two WBA Pan African title fights, plus five fights on the undercard at the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Centre on June 27.

The announcement was made early today when a memorandum of understanding was signed between the giant television corporation, Fox Sports, and Sun International.

The last time there was an international boxing tournament of some substance in this part of the world was on the night of July 18, 1988. It was a tragic night when South Africa’s ‘Golden Boy’ and a junior-welterweight idol, Brian Baronet, was knocked out by American Kenny Vice and he later died in hospital.

Baronet, who was destined for greater things in his career, was rushed to hospital from West Ridge Stadium and after being in a coma for almost a week, died from the head injuries.

Boxing in KwaZulu-Natal effectively ‘died’ on that tragic night as Baronet, who was one of the most charismatic young boxers at the time, had a huge following and drew fans from all over the country to his tournaments. Tournaments dried up as fans stopped going to tournaments.

Now after almost 30 years the sport is being revived by Fox Sports Africa Boxing and Sun International.
Barry Lambert, senior advisor for Fox Sports Africa, who was all smiles after the signing of the MOU, said: “The time has arrived to return the game to its former glory. We all know how many fans are starved of live boxing – the days of a packed West Ridge Park Stadium on Monday nights comes flashing back.

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