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Fana named Boxer of the Year
16/02/2008 10:10 - (SA)
Bloemfontein - International Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Mzonke Fana was named Boxer of the Year at the 2007 Boxing South Africa (BSA) awards ceremony held at the Sand du Plessis Hall in Bloemfontein on Friday night.
Fana shrugged off stiff competition from the likes of Cassius Baloyi, Muvhuso Nedzanani, Thomas Mashaba, Nkosinathi Joyi and Isaac Hlatswayo to walk away with the most prestigious award of the night.
Fana could not hide his joy at accepting the award and the Kayelitsha-born fighter promised to give his best in his upcoming fight against Baloyi on April 12 at the venue to be announced.
"Come April, you will see who Mzonke Fana is," Fana said much to the delight of boisterous boxing fans who are eagerly anticipating the fight. It was a tripple celebration for the Fana camp as his manager Zola Koti won Trainer of the Year award, and promoter Branco Milenkovic of Branco Sports Productions was the winner of Promoter of the Year award.
On the same night, flamboyant fighter, WBC and SA welterweight champion Bongani Mwelase, who beat Lucky Lewele to win the titles, collected two awards - Fight of the Year and Special Achievement Award.
IBO featherweight champion Thomas Mashaba got the honour for winning Knockout of the Year for his devastating left hook that floor Eric Aiken on November 12 last year.
Nick Durandt was also a recipient of Manager of the Year. Durandt's charge Chris Van Heerden, together with SA's female boxer Noni Tenge, won Prospect of the Year award beating teenage sensation Hekkie Buddler.
Winners in other categories:
Most Promising Ring Official of the Year - Sylvia Mokaila
Ring Official of the Year - Wally Snowball
Most Promising Promoter of the Year - Xaba Promotions
Lifetime Achievement award - Dick Nkuna
Fan of the Year - Sipho Xulu
Chairman's Special award - Gugu Radebe
Golden Vest Award - Steve Masike
Media Awads: Print - Elijah Moholola, Radio - Shadrack Ngema, TV - Victor Miyakhe.
- SAPA
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