Boxing SA Symposium hailed as huge success

The event, which incorporated more of a commercial focus for BSA, was attended by potential sponsors, sports marketers, boxing legends, SABC Sport management, and boxing promoters. 

Current boxers, including the countries’ only credible world champion Siventathi Nontshinga, were also there, with Ntlanganiso saying this symposium – themed #TheYearofTheBoxingClub – surpassed their expectations.

"Today's event, to me, was great. I think we met our objectives for the day because the day was meant to unpack what we can do differently as Boxing South Africa," said Ntlanganiso.

"I believe that, from the panelists, we really got what we bargained for in terms of being business-like in our approach, to be able to understand the broadcasting and sponsorship environments, and what we need to do going forward to reposition boxing.

"Yes, we were once the number two sports [in South Africa], but now things have changed in terms of how the media is approaching things, and the fans or viewership – we now have a different clientele when it comes to boxing.

"So I believe this symposium has thoroughly unpacked what we need to do in terms of making sure that boxing gets back to where it belongs."

Premier Soccer League General Manager, Andile “Ace” Ncobo was also part of the symposium panellists, driving the talk around BSA becoming an organising authority due to the current model not allowing creativity around the product.

"For starters, my input as a panelist today was that BSA should not tamper with the current business model in as far as it pertains to promoters – they must keep that because it has sustained boxing for many decades," said Ngcobo.

"The business model that allows BSA to licence promoters to organise boxing tournaments is a very crucial element of what BSA is, and what boxing is in the country, and it should not be tampered with.

"However, BSA needs to look for opportunities to become an organising authority."

READ: Mandla Ntlanganiso now focused on Boxing SA programmes