Sivenathi 'The Special One' Nontshinga, the International Boxing Federation junior flyweight champion and the only South African fighter to hold one of the main organisation belts, was named the South African Boxer of the Year at a ceremony held by Boxing South Africa at the Durban International Convention Centre on Friday night.
Nontshinga continued his unbeaten career on Sunday in East London when he retained the IBF title against the mandatory challenger Ritchie Suganob.
This was the first awards ceremony to be held since the Covid19 pandemic and Smangele “Smash” Hadebe the holder of the African Boxing Union belt was awarded the woman’s Boxer of the Year trophy.
The winners received R50 000 each.
The Gauteng middleweight champion Donjuan van Heerden received the prospect of the year trophy in the men’s section and Monalisa Takane received the woman’s award in the same category.
OTHER AWARD WINNERS
Promoter of the year: Ayanda Matiti’s Xaba Promotions.
Aspiring promoter of the year: Nomvelo Magcaba-Shezi.
Matchmaker of the year: Abbey Mnisi.
Male fight of the year: Phumelele Cafu v Jackson Chauke
Female fight of the year: Bathabile Ziqubu v Thema Zuma
Manager of the year: Damien Durandt
Trainer of the year: Khangelani Jack
Ring official of the year: Pumeza Zinakile
Ring announcer of the year: Sipho Mashego
Reporter of the year: Thabiso Mosia
Special achievement awards: Mesuli Zifo, Noloyiso Bonga, Phiwokuhle Mnguni and Cassper Noyvest
Lifetime achievement awards: Pemmy Majodina, Jaap van Niewenhuizen, Louis Smith, Leslie Whiteboy and Simiso Buthelezi
The awards period under review was from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.