SowetanLive reports that a recent report on allegedly HIV positive boxers using friends' negative results to get their licensees in Eastern Cape has caused a stir in the fight fraternity.

According to Boxing SA's East London provincial manager Phakamile Jacobs, the alleged misrepresentation of facts is caused by the online system of registration and applying for licensees. The online system was introduced during the height of Covid-19 two years ago. Capturing licenses had previously been done manually through provincial managers. Daily Dispatch broke the story on the new trend of fighters using other people's results. It quoted Jacobs as saying: "I know quite a lot of them who do this and if BSA does not put stringent measures (in place) I am afraid we are opening ourselves to libel.” Mandla Ntlanganiso, BSA’s director of operations, said on Tuesday: "We have learnt with utter disgust on the allegations that there are boxers faking medical results in the Eastern Cape. These allegations are very serious and - If true - are potentially detrimental to the health of other boxers and the image of the sport … The BSA medical commission has been informed of these allegations and were requested to act immediately by reviewing the current measures with a view to plugging any gaps that might exist.” He said part of the immediate measures taken was to strengthen the medical examination process through deploying BSA appointed doctors during the sparring sessions (where amateur boxers graduate to the professional ranks) to conduct health examinations.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bongani Magasela at SowetanLive

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