The Female Junior Lightweight championship fight between the former champion in this division, Raider “The Earthquake” Muleba, and defending champion Nosipho Bell, which was scheduled to be held in Bloemfontein on Friday, 27 October, was postponed to 1 December to give Muleba some time to rest.

Muleba’s training manager, Mr John “Smoking Joe” Nemakonde, said they had challenged Bell even before Muleba had fought Bonita van Jaarsveld, who relieved Muleba of her national title, but after this gruelling fight for the title, he realised that both boxers needed time to rest.

“To be honest, even though I feel we were robbed by the judges’ unfair decisions, these two boxers gave their all in that fight. I requested the postponement of the fight between Raider and Bell, so that she can first get some rest,” he said.

Nemakonde said that, as a boxing manager, he must look after the health of his boxers. He said that Muleba had wanted to go ahead with the fight this week but, as her trainer, he had decided otherwise.

“Boxing managers should not only focus on making money. The health of his boxers should be more important. So, I contacted the promoters and asked for a postponement, and they agreed,” he said.

He assured Muleba’s fans that she will be returning to the ring more rejuvenated for the title fight. “She is going to bounce back in and win the national title again. She has also started with light exercises,” he said.