Johannesburg – Fresh from his jaunt to neighbouring Zimbabwe, American retired world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather was on Saturday feted in South Africa with a banquet at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Speaking at the banquet, which also honour South African boxing legends, Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister ‘Goodenough’ Zizi Kodwa exalted the greatness of Mayweather.
“There has never been a boxer that has gone 50 wins without a single loss in the history of the sport,” said Minister Kodwa.
“If the measure of the boxer is the opponents he has faced, then Floyd stands on the pinnacle of the sport.”
Addressing dignitaries that included Zulu King Misizulu ka Zwelithini, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, SA boxing legends and Zimbabwean entrepreneur, businessman, and Zanu-PF politician Scott Sakupwanya, Minister Kodwa recounted Mayweather’s achievements.
The 2010s fighter of the decade, retired after winning 15 major world championships, conquering five weight divisions, earning an Olympic bronze and three golden gloves.Minister Kodwa also recalled Mayweathers controversial loss in the Olympic semi-final.
“Floyd Mayweather Junior stands as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time,” Minister Kodwa said. “If the measure of the boxer is the opponents he has faced, then Floyd stands at the pinnacle of the sport.” During his illustrious career, Mayweather defeated De La Hoya, Pacquiao, Canelo, Corrales, Mosley, Castillo, and Marquez who could all potentially end up in the Boxing Hall of Fame.
“These legendary fighters all form the notches on the belt of Floyd’s magnificent career,” said the minister.
“There has never been a fighter that has come that close to perfection. His mastery of the “sweet science” is second to none.”
Turning to Mayweather, Minister Kodwa said: “You have etched your name in the annals of history. You have forged your path amongst the greatest gladiators.
“Your mark on this world will reverberate throughout human history and you will forever be known as the best to ever lace up your gloves.
“I am honoured that you have chosen to come to South Africa to honour this country’s boxing legends.”
South Africa has a vast and rich boxing heritage and for decades, the country produced world title-winning boxers, among them Dingaan Thobela, Brian Mitchell, Vuyani Bungu, Welcome Ncita, Cassius Baloyi, Phillip Ndou, to the late Baby Jake Matlala, Corrie Sanders, and Gerrie Coetzee.
South African boxing has long been entrenched in the country’s sporting heritage, not to forget to mention that “it was also the late President Nelson Mandela’s favourite sport,” Minister Kodwa said.
“It is fitting that you are honouring South Africa’s boxing legends tonight, a few days before Mandela Day, where we honour the legacy of this Great Man.
“I have expressed my desire to see South African boxing return to the heights it once enjoyed.
“I dream to see South Africans captivated in the very early hours of the morning, watching our best fighters fighting for world titles. I dream to see us hosting boxing events around the country, in filled-up arenas.
“I dream to see emerging boxers in the country being inspired by this country’s rich boxing heritage and continue the path of further entrenching South Africa’s boxing heritage.
The Minister added tha Mayweather’s endeavour to honour South Africa’s boxing legends is not only a further proof of the esteemed legacy of the South African boxing, and how widely it was received, but “how much work needs to be done to elevate it to the levels it used to enjoy”.
“It is my hope that tonight’s event further motivates all efforts to return South African boxing into the hearts and souls of everyone in this country,” said Minister Kodwa.
“It is also my hope, Floyd, that your relationship with South Africa continues.
“Boxing in this country can only benefit from having people of your experience and stature supporting it and keeping the consciousness of just how deep the legacy of boxing is in South Africa.
“Thank you for honouring our legends this evening; you have no idea how much of an excitement and boost you are giving to South African boxing.”
*Original article: Floyd Mayweather Lauded At Boxing Legends Banquet In Sandton – The Bulrushes
