No TV deal for Nontshinga's world title fight in East London

By Velile Mnyandu
31st May 2023

With less than three weeks until the biggest boxing fight South Africa has seen in a decade, Teris Ntuthu, head of Rumble Africa Boxing Promotions, tells SABC Sport Sivenathi Nontshinga’s world title fight has yet to secure a TV partner.

“Special One” Nontshinga will put his the IBF junior-flyweight world title on the line against Filipino boxer Regie Suganob on 16 June at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in East London, but as things stand, South African’s may not see the fight.

"Nothing is clear which is a big disappointment. We have communicated with both the public broadcaster [SABC] and SuperSport about this important event, but there's nothing yet. I know in any other country a world title is a very important event. In fact, we have a world champion in boxing, it's very important. I'm talking about countries like America, to have a world champion is a big thing, and not just for mere broadcasting. So, I cannot explain. It was supposed to be serious competition for anyone to broadcast about this fight", he argued.

The fight has international expectations, as it is being promoted by Rumble Africa and Nontshinga’s international promoters Matchroom.

"We submitted [our proposal] to SABC, but it was declined. If someone understands the sport and boxing there's no one who can decline to broadcast such a fight, not in South Africa. SuperSport [TV], the same thing, we as well think that we are making a mistake, they actually invited us as well to reconsider and submit something. But they are saying that their problem is only the date [16 June]. SupeSport says it's going to be difficult to broadcast on the 16th, let's reconsider the date."

Boxing contests and tournaments of this magnitude typically draw foreign broadcasters, but as Ntuthu points out, there must first be a local host.

"There is a contest about the rights abroad. But for them to buy the rights they must have a primary broadcaster locally, and then they buy from that broadcaster. There is that interest from abroad. From the onset, when we negotiated this fight with Mushroom, the deal was that we may even consider them first priority in terms of rights. What is lacking now is to get that local broadcaster.”

On a more positive note, Ntuthu revealed the provincial administration has provided financial and logistical support.

And is hoping for the same from the Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture.