Internationally acclaimed boxing legend Floyd Mayweather hosted a banquet at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa on Saturday, 15 July. The event not only aimed to honour the country’s boxing legends but also raised funds for South African youth through Mayweather’s Youth Empowerment Programme.
During the banquet, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa delivered a speech highlighting the rich legacy of South African boxing and the potential to revive the sport. He expressed his gratitude that Mayweather chose to come to South Africa to honour the country’s boxing legends. Kodwa emphasized that South Africa has a vast and illustrious boxing heritage, with numerous world title-winning boxers such as Dingaan Thobela, Brian Mitchell, Vuyani Bungu, Welcome Ncita, Cassius Baloyi, Phillip Ndou, Baby Jake Matlala, Corrie Sanders, and Gerrie Coetzee, among others.
Kodwa also mentioned that boxing was the late President Nelson Mandela’s favourite sport. He deemed it fitting that the event honoured South Africa’s boxing legends just days before Mandela Day, a day dedicated to celebrating Mandela’s legacy.
Expressing his aspirations for South African boxing, Kodwa shared his dream of witnessing the nation captivated by early morning fights featuring local boxers competing for world titles. He envisioned arenas across the country hosting boxing events that draw large crowds. Kodwa emphasized the importance of inspiring emerging boxers to continue the path of South Africa’s boxing heritage.
The minister commended Mayweather’s efforts to honour South Africa’s boxing legends, stating that it serves as proof of the esteemed legacy of South African boxing and a reminder of the work needed to elevate the sport to its former glory. He expressed hope that the event would motivate further efforts to reintroduce South African boxing into the hearts and souls of the nation’s people.
Kodwa also expressed his desire for Mayweather’s continued relationship with South Africa, recognizing the value of his experience and stature in supporting the sport. He thanked Mayweather for honouring the country’s boxing legends, emphasizing the excitement and boost it provides to South African boxing.
The banquet hosted by Floyd Mayweather showcased his admiration for South Africa’s boxing heritage while also supporting the empowerment of the country’s youth through his Youth Empowerment Programme. The event served as a reminder of the significance of boxing in South Africa and the potential for its resurgence.
Floyd Mayweather, boxing legends, South Africa, banquet, youth empowerment
Minister Zizi Kodwa said he is honoured that Mayweather chose to come to South Africa to honour the country’s boxing legendshttps://t.co/mBhJjXmQxZ#FloydMayweather #honour #Legends @snl24sa
— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) July 16, 2023
The champ @FloydMayweather has arrived. We look forward to the evening of celebrating South Africa’s boxing legends. pic.twitter.com/UbRYlaH2zr
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) July 15, 2023
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