Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) has budgeted K10 million for the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup to be staged in Durban, South Africa, from April 15 to 21.
Maba President Pyson Likagwa said they need the amount to send an amateur team to South Africa.
“We need to use the Mandela Cup to groom our boxers. We want our amateurs to gain international exposure. We have engaged the government and other stakeholders to consider assisting us.
“If we take part in Mandela Cup, our boxers will gauge their strength and will face international competitors with confidence,” Likagwa said.
Currently, local amateurs have been taking part in regional tournaments to keep shape.
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Malawi National Council of Sports Public Relations and Communications Officer Edgar Ntulumbwa could not confirm nor deny whether Maba had asked for support.
“Let me consult. I will come back to you,” Ntulumbwa said.
The Mandela tournament will feature 12 women’s and 13 men’s weight categories.
Participating teams are using it ahead of the last leg of the Olympic qualification tournament slated for Thailand in May and June.
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The competition has been organised by IBA, the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) and the South African Boxing Organisation.
“It is a great pleasure to announce the first edition of the Mandela African Boxing Cup taking place in South Africa this April 2024. Our decision to name the competition after one of the world’s most inspirational personalities is with reason and great respect.
“Dear teams, let’s take Mandela’s dedication to boxing as a strong inspiration for young generations and glorify his name through the Mandela Cup to make it a yearly tradition,” IBA Secretary General and CEO, Chris Roberts told the Sowetan.
