DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Friday 9.45am.
MPUSH Makambi, the International Boxing Organisation’s middleweight world champion, was voted the South African boxer of the year on Thursday night.
Makambi was a popular winner at the 24th Annual King Korn Boxing Awards held in Sandton, although many thought the likes of Lehlo Ledwaba and Hawk Makepula would get the nod ahead of him.
Although Makambi already held the IBO world title at the start of last year, he carried little respect as a champion.
A change in his attitude over the year saw him adopt a more aggressive style and two impressive defenses against highly rated British opponents established him as a true world champion, thereby winning the respect of local pundits and fans alike.
Sebastian Rothman’s scintillating battle with Earl Morais for the cruiserweight national title was voted as fight of the year and Stephen Carr picked up the prospect of the year award.
Les Muller, the founder and former chairman of the Border Boxing Board of Control, received a special award for his contribution to the sport over the last 35 years.
A very emotional speech was made by trainer/manager Mzi Mnguni from the Eastern Cape, on handing the award over to Muller, which had many close to tears.
Muller suffered a heart attack last year which forced him to retire from the sport.