Minister McKenzie hints at better and improved Boxing SA funding

Speaking at the two-day Boxing Convention in East London, a first in 12 years, Mckenzie says the current budget for BSA doesn’t serve any purpose for the sport.

With boxing in the country governed through an act of parliament, BSA falls under Mckenzie’s ministry with a budget of R19 million annually, an amount that doesn’t address boxing challenges.

McKenzie says things are about to change.

"It's true what was said here, I inherited the budget. In three weeks to four weeks, it's time for me to tell you what is my budget as you said right here and it's only then that you'll see how seriously do I take boxing,” McKenzie said.

“Boxing days back to glory, in my budget. So, that day you must tune in and you'll see what is it that we are going to do."

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McKenzie has also not minced his words on promoters who owe millions of rands to BSA and others who have not paid boxers.

"The sanctioning models, the problem you are having with promoters owing and then discuss it afterward, 'No we don't owe'. There are too many fly-by-nights that say they are promoters,” he added.

“We need to get the real promoters and if you are a real promoter, you are not gonna have a problem with what I'm gonna say now that you must pay your levies before the fight. So, we know the boxers get paid. So, if you are a fly-by night you will worry now what you're gonna do but if you are the real thing that will help you.

“Then nobody owes nobody, we are sorting that out. I see some of you are not clapping so I can see you are guilty of that thing."