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Boxing
Complete PFL Africa: Pretoria – Nkosi Ndebele defeats Michele Clemente in a bantamweight classic shootout in the main event
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) (https://PFLmma.com) made its Pretoria debut at SunBet Arena, where a packed South African crowd was treated to a full night of MMA action and statement performances across the card.
In the bantamweight main event, Pretoria was treated to Nkosi Ndebele vs. Michele Clemente, who traded sharp punches and elbows early. The Italian “Arrow” pushed with relentless pressure but frequently ran into sharp counters from the “King of Many Nations.” The two threw down in an all-time classic with the South African walking away with the unanimous decision win.
The heavyweight division delivered a wild one as Senegal's Abdoulaye Kane and South Africa's Justin Clarke went toe-to-toe in a firefight. Kane struck first with a huge early combination that left Clarke bloodied and on shaky legs, but the hometown hero refused to back down. Clarke bit down, swung back in the pocket, and turned the tide with a furious counter right hand that sent Kane crashing to the canvas.
Nigeria's David Samuel opened his welterweight tournament campaign in style, submitting Abdelrahman Mohammad in the first round after dropping him several times with sharp boxing. Once the fight hit the mat, Samuel locked in the finish and moved on with minimal damage.
In another welterweight tournament clash, Guinea-Bissau's late replacement Rivaldo Pereira made the most of his opportunity, stepping in on just a day's notice and stopping Kunle Lawal in the opening frame. Pereira folded Lawal with a body shot, then closed the show with elbows on the canvas to punch his ticket to the next stage. With those performances, Samuel and Pereira are now set to meet in the semi-finals, matching two of the tournament's most dangerous finishers against each other.
Angola's Shido Boris Esperança made short work of Emilios Dassi, turning in a near-flawless showing to punch his ticket to the next round of the welterweight tournament. After tripping Dassi to the canvas, Esperança quickly settled into top position and unloaded with elbows and punches until the referee stepped in for a first-round stoppage.
In another welterweight tournament bout, Yabna “The Panther” N'Tchala started strong against Peace Nguphane, cracking him with heavy shots early. Nguphane steadied himself, dragged the fight into his realm with takedowns and firm top control, and hammered away with ground-and-pound that swung momentum his way and earned a unanimous decision to the delight of the South African crowd. With those results, Esperança and Nguphane are now set to meet later this year in the semi-finals, where they will battle for a place in the tournament final.
In an all-Nigerian showdown, Juliet Ukah and Jane Osigwe went toe-to-toe in a feature catchweight bout, trading kicks and punches from the opening bell. Ukah, a Police Corporal known as “Golden Bones,” held the center of the cage and dictated the engagements, clipping Osigwe with steady counters as the rounds wore on. Her measured pressure and cleaner shots convinced two of the three judges, earning Ukah a split decision win.
Announced just today, PFL Africa is officially landing in West Africa, with the league set to stage its second PFL Africa event on June 13 for the first time in Nigeria at the Eko Arena in Lagos. Headlining the card will be Nigerian rising star and reigning 2025 PFL Africa Featherweight Champion, Wasi Adeshina, who returns home to compete in front of a Lagos crowd for the first time under the PFL banner, as he takes on Spanish standout, Ignacio Campos. The night will also feature a lightweight co-main event showcasing another Nigerian standout, Patrick Ocheme, as he faces Cameroonian contender Octave Ayinda in a lightweight bout.
PFL AFRICA: PRETORIA Results:
Nkosi Ndebele (12-3) defeated Michele Clemente (7-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Justin Clarke (5-1) defeated Abdoulaye Kane (5-2) via TKO (punches) in round 1 at 2:12
Peace Nguphane (9-3) defeated Yabna N'Tchala (14-3-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Shido Boris Esperança (12-2) defeated Emilios Dassi (5-3) via TKO (elbows and punches) in round one at 3:17
Rivaldo Pereira (4-2) defeated Kunle Lawal (3-2) via TKO (punch to body and elbows) in round one at 2:09
Juliet Ukah (9-0) defeated Jane Osigwe (5-4) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
David Samuel (6-0) defeated Abdelrahman Mohammad (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:03 of round one
Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-5) vs. Áureo Cruz (3-0) ends in a No Contest (accidental eye poke) at 0:18 into round 2
Shadrack Dju Yemba (6-1) defeated Jean-Jacques Lubaya (9-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Asiashu Tshitamba (7-5) defeated Shannon van Tonder (7-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Felista-Mutheu Mugo (6-2-1) defeated Annet Kiiza (3-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PFL.
Additional Link:
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About Professional Fighters League:
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global mixed martial arts organization and one of the world's leading combat sports properties. PFL produces live, premium MMA events broadcast and streamed to fans in more than 170 countries through an extensive network of international media partners. The organization features a roster of professional fighters representing the highest levels of international mixed martial arts competition.
Headquartered in the United States, PFL holds events across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with continued global expansion underway. PFL is backed by leading institutional investors and professional sports team owners, reflecting the accelerating growth of MMA as a mainstream global sport.
For more information, visit https://PFLmma.com
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President Ramkalawan Commends Spirit of Sportsmanship at International Boxing Tournament
The three-day International Boxing Tournament, jointly organised by Tides Seychelles and the Seychelles Boxing Federation, concluded on Sunday with resounding success, marking a significant moment for the local sporting calendar.
The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, attended the entire tournament at the Paradise Arena, lending his wholehearted support to the event and to the athletes representing Seychelles and the six other participating nations: Sri Lanka, India, Russia, Mauritius, South Africa, and Réunion.
In a show of unwavering encouragement, President Ramkalawan applauded the courage, discipline and determination demonstrated by all athletes, and extended profound congratulations to the organisers for delivering a professional and uplifting event.
Speaking in an interview after the tournament, the President remarked:
"It was a pleasure to be back at Paradise Arena to see our people once again come together in unity to support our local boxers. The energy, the pride, and the encouragement from the crowd have been incredible. This tournament has not only offered our athletes vital exposure to international competition but also given us a realistic reflection of our current level of performance. It is through such experiences that we learn where we stand and where we must go from here. Let us use this as a stepping stone to invest more in training, discipline, and development so that Seychelles continues to grow stronger in the world of boxing."
President Ramkalawan further encouraged Team Seychelles to remain committed to their journey, reminding them that the entire nation stands behind them.
The tournament brought together talents from seven countries and served as a platform for athletic excellence, international camaraderie, and the promotion of boxing in Seychelles. It also highlighted the growing potential of the Paradise Arena as a regional hub for sports events.
The Government of Seychelles continues to support initiatives that empower youth and strengthen sports development across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
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Committee on Sport Reaffirms Commitment to Revitalising Boxing in SA
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has said boxing in South Africa will not die during the term of the committee he chairs.
He spoke on the sidelines of the National Boxing Convention, currently underway in East London, and added that boxing needed to be the ultimate winner of the convention. Mr McGluwa said the committee was determined to revive the sport. “We will work with all the stakeholders at this significant gathering that will serve as a vital platform for shaping the future of boxing in South Africa. Boxing has played an integral role in South Africa's sporting history, with former President Nelson Mandela being one of its most notable admirers,” the Chairperson said.
“Over the years, boxing has faced many challenges, from governance issues to financial constraints that have hindered its growth and global competitiveness. The Portfolio Committee recognises the importance of this convention. It reaffirms its commitment to fostering transparency, accountability and the responsible management of public funds to protect the integrity of the sport.”
The committee aligns itself with the minister's vision of using boxing as a platform to develop athletes into world-class competitors who uphold the highest standards of excellence. The two-day Indaba was organised with the help of the Minister of Sport, Mr Gayton McKenzie.
“Through unity and dedicated leadership, we are confident that boxing can be restored to its former glory, serving as a source of national pride and inspiration,” said Mr McGluwa. He called for a return to the golden era of boxing in South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Deputy Minister prioritises transformation in sport
Deputy Minister prioritises transformation in sport
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, is using her time in office to drive transformation and gender inequality in sport.
“A key focus for the Deputy Minister has been addressing gender inequality in sport, particularly ensuring equal pay and resource allocation for female athletes,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said on Thursday.
Mabe revealed her plans during a media briefing held in Johannesburg with Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to provide a report to the nation on their first 100 days in office following their swearing into office in the Government of National Unity (GNU) on 3 July 2024.
Mabe spoke extensively on her engagements and plans in the ministry, which include driving further transformation within the sporting community; her contributions to the Cricket South Africa Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Indaba; her attendance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, as well as her engagements with global ministers at the International Film Week in Moscow.
“The department is in the final stages of developing a comprehensive Women in Sport Policy Framework, which addresses multiple areas of gender disparity, including participation, leadership, governance and visibility.
"The Deputy Minister has also taken a hands-on approach to supporting women in boxing,” the Ministry said on Thursday.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will soon launch numerous renovation projects for community sporting facilities across the country.
These efforts aim to provide equal access to quality sports infrastructure, beginning with Limpopo province, where the Deputy Minister will be overseeing the handover of upgraded facilities in Moletji and Lephalale in late October 2024.
In the arts sector, Mabe is leading efforts to create an enabling environment for artists, particularly those in underserved communities.
“One of the key outcomes of her discussions was the recognition that civic and multipurpose community centres can be transformed into hubs for artistic expression and economic activity.
“By providing artists with these spaces, the department aims to directly contribute to job creation and economic opportunities within the creative sector.
“The Deputy Minister further touched on the department’s strategic realignment to now embrace public-private partnerships to revitalise critical programmes within the Department and create opportunities for greater participation in sport, arts and culture,” the Ministry said.
A prime example of this was her visit to the Enos Mafokate Equestrian Sport Centre in Soweto, where the Ministry has explored possible upgrades and partnerships to improve the facility.
Mabe has further supported several important initiatives that honour South Africa’s living legends and promote its rich cultural heritage. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 11:13
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Dingaan Thobela “a champion fighter who captured the hearts of the nation”
Dingaan Thobela "a champion fighter who captured the hearts of the nation"
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has paid tribute to the late South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela, describing him as one of the world's standout fighters.
“Thobela fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title and against Glenn Catley to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight title.
“Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world's standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
In a professional career which spanned from 1986 until 2006, Thobela was a multiple world-boxing champion, having won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and WBA lightweight, and World WBC super-middleweight titles.
Also known as the Rose of Soweto, Thobela was a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.
“Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to become a three-time world champion as a professional.
“As we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country.
"I express my deepest sympathies to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto," Kodwa said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
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Y’Africa, the TV show that showcases African talent: Orange announces a third season dedicated to the continent’s athletes
Orange (www.Orange.com) is launching the third season of its flagship program Y'Africa, which will be broadcast weekly from mid-April on 15 national TV channels across Africa; This new season is dedicated to the journeys of 28 rising sporting talents from 12 countries; Like the first two seasons, it is directed by Dan Assayag and produced by Fame Productions; Season 3 has 7 episodes, each 52 minutes long.
The Y'Africa project was launched by Orange in February 2020. The first two seasons were very successful, not only on the 15 African terrestrial TV channels on which it was broadcast, but also on social media, where content from the series has racked up 80 million views. The first two seasons highlighted the richness and diversity of African culture by profiling 63 artists. The third season presents 28 high-level Olympic and Paralympic athletes and champions, each of them represents the continent's hopes.
Inspired by the extraordinary pool of talent seen across the continent, Y'Africa celebrates the vitality and plurality of modern Africa and its people. The name of the program also reflects this connection, “Y'Africa” is the contraction of “Africa Ya lelo”, or “Africa today” in Lingala.
Breathtaking images, extraordinary stories
Season 3 of Y'Africa involved 18 months of filming in all corners of the world: South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Spain, the US, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. Among our 28 athletes are 13 Olympic champions, world champions, or world record holders, including:
- Tigst ASSEFA (Ethiopia), World Marathon Women's Record Holder
- Hugues Fabrice ZANGO (Burkina Faso), 2023 Triple Jump World Champion
- Cheick Sallah Junior CISSÉ (Ivory Coast), 2023 World Champion, gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Taekwondo Olympics
- Tamirat TOLA (Ethiopia), 2022 World Marathon Champion
- Amane BERISO SHANKULE (Ethiopia), 2023 World Marathon Champion
- Amos KIPRUTO (Kenya), bronze medalist at the 2019 World Marathon Championships
- Sabastian KIMARU SAWE (Kenya), 2023 Road Half Marathon World Champion
- Khadija EL MARDI (Morocco), World Heavyweight Champion in Amateur Boxing 2023
- Nicolas Pieter DU PREEZ (South Africa), gold medalist at the Beijing 2020 Paralympic Games in Road Cycling
- Djamel SEDJATI (Algeria), 2022 World Vice-Champion in the 800 Meters
- Kaylia NEMOUR (Algeria), 2023 Vice-World Champion, Uneven Bars
- Soumaya BOUSAID (Tunisia), bronze medalist at the Beijing 2020 Para-JOs in the 1500 Meters T13
- Oussama MELLOULI (Tunisia), gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics in the 10 Kilometer Open Water
Y'Africa Season 3 covers 21 Olympic disciplines, from traditional favorites (such as athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, fencing, and judo) to the most exciting new ones (including BMX, skateboarding, and surfing). As well as the acclaimed athletes profiled in the series, we also feature rising athletes, training for top-level international competitions through sheer rigor and commitment, despite having not yet won a title. Their journeys, their preparation, and their stories are worth hearing.
Season 3 was also the occasion for last summer's launch of the Y'Africa Facebook page (https://apo-opa.co/4d04OPE). With more than 350,000 followers to date, this exceptional communication platform will help us continue to promote African talent.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East: “Season 3 of Y'Africa marks a new stage in our commitment to highlighting the wealth and diversity of African talent. This series offers a unique platform to celebrate our ambitious and determined youth. I am delighted that the Orange Group is once again playing a key role in highlighting these inspiring stories.”
Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Director of Communications at Orange: “In this Olympic year, we have decided to highlight the sporting talents of the African continent. After two seasons dedicated to artists, Y'Africa returns with an exceptional series of portraits of athletes, women and men, champions, and their aspirations, all arranged around the theme of surpassing oneself. Through this program, launched in 2020, we want to share the dynamics of the African continent with as many people as possible. It is also another way of consolidating the Orange brand by establishing a sincere dialogue with audiences.”
Dan Assayag, Director: “I have admired the beauty, grace, agility, and power of athletes when they realize their full potential. I have understood why motivation is nothing without discipline. I have observed that top athletes have an above-average work capacity. I have also seen their tolerance of pain. I have understood that Olympic sport is a world of its own. And they made me understand, all in their own ways, what it meant to represent your country as an African. For all these reasons, Season 3 of Y'Africa is special for me.”
Discover the first episode of the new season: https://apo-opa.co/49KN1ci
Password: Y'africa
Additional information on Season 3 of Y'Africa is available on Orange.com
And here (https://apo-opa.co/3Jp4axr) you can find the biographies of the athletes, photos and a trailer, as well as the broadcast schedule for the program in the different countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.
Press contacts:
Elodie Filopon
ef@35ouest.com
+225 07 89 031 724
Ibtissame Nafii
ibtissame.nafii@orange.com
+33 6 37 38 60 50
About Orange:
Orange is one of the main telecommunications companies in the world, with a turnover of 44.1 billion euros in 2023 and 137,000 employees as of December 31, 2023, including 73,000 in France. The group served 298 million customers on December 31, 2023, including 254 million mobile customers and 25 million fixed broadband customers. The group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also one of the world leaders in telecommunications services to multinational companies under the Orange Business brand. In February 2023, the group presented its Lead the Future strategic plan, built on a new business model, and guided by responsibility and efficiency. Lead the Future capitalizes on high-standard networks to strengthen Orange's leadership in quality of service.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN).
For more information, see www.Orange.com, www.Orange-Business.com, and the Orange News app, or follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.
Orange and any Orange product or service mentioned in this press release are trademarks owned by Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.
Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court
Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has welcomed the high court judgment which threw out an application of the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA) to declare that the appointment of the Boxing South Africa (BSA) Accounting Authority is irregular and invalid.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday delivered a judgment dismissing with costs the NPBPA’s application based on lack of legal standing.
According to the SABC, the application was also seeking an order to stop BSA from sanctioning boxing tournaments until a legitimate board was appointed.
In December, the promoters successfully interdicted the BSA board appointed by Kodwa. The Minister then appointed Mandla Ntlanganiso in February as the Acting CEO and Accounting Authority, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, to temporarily replace the board.
Tuesday’s ruling means Ntlanganiso will remain in his position until May 2024, when a full-time board will be appointed.
“The judgement marks a salutary corrective measure on the path to restoring stability and ethical governance at Boxing SA. For too long, Boxing SA has been bleeding as an institution, with athletes losing match time, and promoters and trainers losing their market share,” Kodwa said on Wednesday.
The Minister believes the court’s decision is an opportunity for all stakeholders in South African boxing to link and focus on the roadmap to reset and revitalise the sport in the country.
“I have repeatedly said that let’s box in the ring and not in the courts.”
“Let us focus, engage, and work together to build this sporting code that lies close to the hearts of millions of South Africans. Let us work together to revive South African boxing,” the Minister pleaded.
Reports state that the NPBPA was ordered to pay the respondents’ costs, including those of the Ministers of Sport, Arts and Culture and Finance, BSA, and Ntlanganiso.
They were also ordered to pay the costs of two counsels, including the Senior Counsel. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:20
524 views
Elections 2024: What the independent candidates have to say
We put five questions to each of the five independent candidates