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As I write, I am sitting in the
foyer of the Hilton Hotel in
Cape Town with Arno Koester of
East Tools Media, who is also an
international consultant for
Porsche, planning methodically
for the big event to hit my
South African hometown on March
31.
With two quality world title
fights, ironically both at
bantamweight (male and female),
I am excited by the hugely
positive response of the boxing
people in Cape Town who will
have their first major
international world title event
in the city for many a year.
Unbeaten Mzuvukile Magwaca, the
local lad from Khayelitsha
township and 17-0, will fight
the dangerous highly rated
knockout specialist from
Philippines, Jason Canoy, 26-6
with 19 KO’s, in what should be
a thriller.
Then, South African woman’s
bantamweight champion Bokiwe
Nonina also gets a chance for
world honors against former
multiple world champion Alesia
Graf of Germany, who is Europe’s
# 1 female bantamweight.
The interesting thing for me is,
while most of the support has
been overwhelming and positive,
there are always some people who
see the glass as half empty as
opposed to half full. Rather
than commending the organizers
on bringing activity to an area
in Cape Town starved of boxing,
they tend to look for the
negatives even when there are
none.
But the lesson I’ve learned over
many years in boxing, is not to
go down to the level of those
negative people who thrive on
causing trouble, but rather to
focus on the WBF delivering the
highest and most professional
standards possible, and to lead
by example.
I am excited that my home town
is going to be host to a top
class event. I am excited that
the young fighters in
Khayelitsha have a platform to
show off their talents. I am
excited by the positive response
by the Western Cape Government
to this event.
The WBF is proud to be working
hand in hand with some of the
biggest companies in the world
in order to raise funds for
worthwhile charities.
To the designated promoters for
this event, Dream Team, Amandla
and Lyon – I know you will
ensure the high standards
demanded by the WBF and wish you
well for a great tournament in
arguably the most beautiful city
in the world.
Finally to the fighters involved
in the charity rematch fight
between Francois Botha and Uwe
Hueck – please ensure that you
guys don’t hurt each other to
much. I think my money is on Uwe.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing
Federation
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