WRAP: Gauteng Boxing Development Tournament Thrills Crowds Across the Province
The Gauteng Boxing Development Tournament delivered two weekends of toptier action, unearthing new provincial champions and reinforcing the province’s reputation as a powerhouse in South African boxing. Held in Tsakane on 8 March and Kagiso on 15 March 2026, the initiative showcased rising talent and brought legends of the sport back ringside.
Ndwandwe Crowned Gauteng Featherweight Champion
Sabelo Ndwandwe cemented his status as one of Gauteng’s brightest prospects after claiming the vacant provincial Featherweight title at a packed Kagiso Memorial and Recreation Centre on Sunday, 15 March. Ndwandwe, who had an impressive run in 2025 with three consecutive victories, stopped Khotso Ramabolu via a fifthround TKO in a bout that electrified the arena.
The fight lived up to expectations, with both boxers delivering high-quality exchanges. Ndwandwe’s combination of footwork, precision and resilience proved decisive as he gradually wore down Ramabolu. Despite the defeat, Ramabolu earned respect for his spirited early rounds.
The Kagiso event hosted by Honeybee Promotions drew a vibrant crowd that included local boxing heroes Jan Bergman, Bokkie Martins and Simon Ramoni, as well as a representative from the family of the legendary Terror Mathebula. Boxing South Africa was represented by Chief Operations Officer Mandla Ntlanganiso and Chief Financial Officer Bertram Moses. The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation was represented by Ms. Philasande Muvevi.
Mphahlele Claims Junior Lightweight Title in Tsakane
A week earlier in Tsakane, Tumelo Mphahlele produced a clinical performance to capture the Gauteng Junior Lightweight title. Facing champion Siphamandla Manqatha at Faranani Hall, Mphahlele controlled the action from the opening round and forced a stoppage in the seventh after Manqatha struggled with a cut above his eye.
The Tsakane tournament staged by Miss P Promotions and Jab Promotions under the banner Rising from the Roots paid homage to the East Rand’s rich boxing history. Icons such as Brian Mitchell, the Malinga brothers, Silent Mabuza, Tshifiwa Munyai and Sabastian Rothmann were among the dignitaries who attended.
A Boost for Boxing Development
Both tournaments formed part of a provincial development partnership between Boxing South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. The joint effort aims to nurture emerging talent and sustain Gauteng’s legacy as a producer of world-class fighters such as Terror Mathebula, Malcolm Klaasen and Jan Bergman.
“We must commend the Department for supporting this development initiative,” said BSA COO Mandla Ntlanganiso. “We witnessed outstanding tournaments featuring young boxers ready to take the world by storm. The performances are something we pride ourselves on. We also honour promoters such as Mr. Hulley, Ms. Phumudzo Ramabulane and Ms. Miller of Honey B Promotions, who continue to elevate the sport. There was also support for the Promoters courtesy of the Gauteng Promoters Association led by Mr. Sandile Xaka. A big thank you to all the boxing enthusiasts for embracing the concept,”
Tournament Results – 15 March 2026 (Honey Bee Promotions)
Vacant Gauteng Featherweight Title
Sabelo Ndwandwe def. Khotso Ramabolu TKO, Round 5
Junior Middleweight (6 rounds)
William Bankisi def. Jonas Senga, Points.
Female Junior Lightweight (6 rounds)
Nomusa Ngema def. Chiedza Homakoma (ZIM) Points.
Flyweight (4 rounds)
Sandiso Booi def. Bandile Leopeng, Points.
Junior Welterweight (4 rounds)
Vuyo Hadebe def. Lemark Barns TKO, Round 2.
Cruiserweight (4 rounds)
Rene Tshimanga vs. Meegan King , Draw.
Featherweight (4 rounds)
Brilliant Maseko def. Siphesihle Nkomo , TKO, Round 1
Mini Flyweight (4 rounds)
Tshepang Tala def. Siphesihle Mkhonza, Points
Tsakane: Tournament Results – 8 March 2026 (Miss P Promotions & Jab Connection Promotions)
Gauteng Junior Lightweight Title
Tumelo Mphahlele def. Siphamandla Manqatha, TKO, Round 7.
Lightweight (6 rounds)
Talent Baloyi def. Oumpie Sibeko, TKO, Round 2.
Welterweight (4 rounds)
Dino Malajika def. Muhlawuriwe Mboweni , Points.
Flyweight (6 rounds)
Manuel Sekele def. Bongani Mokgosi KO, Round 3.
Junior Flyweight (4 rounds)
Lucky Nyembezi def. Sithembele Cele TKO, Round 2.
Featherweight (4 rounds)
Shawn Nkuna def. Nhlakanipho Phungula , Points.
Female Mini-Flyweight (4 rounds)
Elizabeth Ndlovu (ZIM) def. Emma Mohono , Points.
Junior Bantamweight (4 rounds)
Rokunda Ndandulani (LP) def. Akhim Masamba , Points.
Heavyweight (4 rounds)
Nyiko Nkuna def. Gilly Dickinson TKO, Round 2
Issued by:
Boxing South Africa Media
