Former multiple world boxing champion Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula described his appointment as a member of the Boxing SA sanctioning committee as the beginning of bigger things to come in his quest to contribute to the sport he served with aplomb.
Makepula, who is a pastor, has been announced as a member of the crucial committee responsible for approving tournaments after ensuring they comply with BSA rules and regulations.
The sanctioning committee was thrust into the spotlight after it rejected some fights based on noncompliance, which put it on a collision course with promoters.
Among the decisions that triggered disputes was the committee’s rejection of Sifiso Hlongwane’s challenge of Asanda Gingqi for the SA junior lightweight title, on the basis that Hlongwane was not rated.
The matter was escalated to board level where the committee’s decision was vetoed, forcing ratings chair Andre de Vries to resign.
De Vries has since returned to head the ratings committee after the appointment of the new board which installed new subcommittees, drawing on the expertise of former boxers such as Mdantsane’s Makepula.
Makepula joins former SA lightweight champion Irvin Buhlalu on the sanctioning committee, which is chaired by Dr Luvuyo Bayeni of the Eastern Cape.
Determined to benefit from the expertise of former boxers, the BSA board also appointed former IBO and world title contender Silence Mabuza and former SA lightweight champion Nika Khumalo to the ratings committee.
BSA acting chief executive Mandla Ntlanganiso said the body had decided to bring former boxers into the mainstream of the sport.
“BSA has established SA Boxing Ambassadors, which comprises former world and national champions, to promote the sport,” he said.
Reacting to his appointment, Makepula, a former Olympian, said he was honoured by the recognition.
“My expertise has been utilised in other spheres but not boxing though I am known for the sport,” he said.
Armed with sports psychology and sports science qualifications among his many academic achievements, Makepula said he offered therapy sessions to PSL players on an informal basis and would love to do the same to ex-boxers.
“But first things first, we need to punch the sport back into shape and my involvement will make a big difference.”
Makepula, who has a doctorate, amassed boxing experience spanning 22 years, having represented the country at the Commonwealth Games in Canada in 1994 before leading the SA Olympic Team as a flag-bearer at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
As a professional, he won numerous championships, including WBU and WBO world titles, in the junior-flyweight divisions.
He was denied the IBF flyweight crown when he was at the receiving end of an egregious hometown decision in favour of Colombia’s Irene Pacheco.
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