Tsakani – A powerful new boxing initiative is set to reignite the sport within township communities through a joint promotion between Miss P Promotions and Jab Connection Promotions.
The community of Kwatsaduza is invited to the Rising Up From The Roots boxing tournament at Faranani Multipurpose Centre on March 8.
The event comes after the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts and Culture approached Boxing South Africa (BSA) to allocate available funds to emerging promoters, giving them an opportunity to stage professional boxing events.
The move is aimed at reviving grassroots boxing and creating platforms for new talent to shine.
At the heart of the tournament is the Gauteng Junior Lightweight Title fight, which organisers say is designed to highlight achievement within the sport.
“In a significant upgrade, a new championship belt is being introduced to replace the previous format, where winners were awarded only a trophy.
“This is about honouring excellence properly. A belt carries prestige. It represents hard work, sacrifice and dedication. It gives fighters something meaningful to chase,” explained event co-organiser Lyle Hulley.
The theme, Rising Up From The Roots, was conceptualised collaboratively by the two promotional teams. The message is intentional and deeply rooted in community realities.
“We realised that to inspire people, you must speak to their situation. No matter where you come from or what your roots look like, you are capable of achieving greatness,” he said.
Hulley explained that the broader purpose of the event is to bring boxing back to less privileged and previously disadvantaged communities, where exposure to the sport has declined over time.
He believes that the absence of regular tournaments has contributed to boxing losing visibility among young people.
Tumelo Mphahlele is a boxer. Photo: Tumelo Mphahlele
“Boxing has been on a decline in communities because the exposure has been absent. Events like this and more to come will encourage youngsters to consider the sport seriously,” he added.
He acknowledged that boxing may not immediately appeal to everyone the way soccer does, but believes live exposure can change perceptions.
“Boxing is not always the first sport people think of. But once they attend an event, it grows on them. Some will become loyal supporters, while others will start picturing themselves in the ring.
“The development tournament is intended to offer young people alternative options beyond those often shaped by difficult social and economic circumstances,” he cited.
“Just like people have a favourite soccer team, I want people to leave this event knowing who their favourite boxer is. Having a favourite inspires you. It makes you believe you can also achieve something.”
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Hulley pointed to former world champion Silence Mabuza as a shining example, saying Mabuza rose from Tsakani to become a two-time International Boxing Organisation (IBO) bantamweight champion, proving that township roots do not limit global potential.
“I have seen how vibrant Tsakane is. When we return, I want to see young people training to be boxers, training to become the next champion,” he said.
Hulley mentioned that as organisers, they believe that showcasing title fights and accolades excites communities, particularly the youth.
“In any industry, showcasing achievements builds excitement. When fighters know what they are training for, they understand that all the hard work leads to that one title moment. And it pushes them,” he mentioned.
Rising Up From The Roots aims not only to stage an event, but to spark a movement.
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