BSA ratings chairman Xolile Dike praises all those involved in raising the profile of the sport

The second quarter of 2026 will be remembered as one of the proudest in the modern history of South African boxing, says Boxing SA ratings committee chairman Xolile Dike.

“A new generation of unbeaten prospects forced its way into the national ratings, and women’s boxing delivered its busiest and most promising quarter yet,” Dike said after releasing what he termed the “Quarter Two report”.

“South African boxing is punching above its weight. Siyakhola ‘One Way’ Kuse, Bernice ‘The Badger’ Ferreira and Ricardo ‘The Magic Man’ Malajika won WBC world titles.

Kuse won the mini flyweight title in May at Emperors Palace; IBO junior-lightweight holder Ferreira captured the WBC crown in Atlanta in August; and Malajika, who holds the IBO junior-bantamweight belt, added the WBC crown in Japan last month.

“The domestic title scene delivered drama and history.”

—  Boxing SA ratings committee chairman Xolile Dike.

“The domestic title scene delivered drama and history, with Siyabulela Hem becoming the first to win the national [lightweight] title after Boxing SA allowed him to leap three weight divisions,” said Dike.

Hem, who holds the SA junior-featherweight belt, ended Khaya Busakwe’s reign as lightweight champion.

In that same tournament, staged by promoter Ayanda Matiti’s Xaba Promotions, Katlego Khanyisa dethroned Asanda Gingqi as the national junior-lightweight champ.

“During the quarter, a wave of young, unbeaten professionals fought their way into the national rankings, several of them in only their third, fourth or fifth contest,” said Dike.

Some of the boxers he mentioned include Indiphile Ntshangase, Sabelo Ndwandwe, Amila Gongqa, Philani Mfaku, Tumelo Mphahlele and Ethan Peters

“The ratings are becoming more interesting and more competitive than they have been in years,” said Dike.

“More licensees are pushing for their boxers to be recognised, which is a sign of a healthy sport and keeps the committee focused on fairness and transparency in every decision.”

To keep the divisions moving, he said the ratings committee will continue to enforce mandatory challenges so top-ranked boxers step up to fight for titles.

Dike said the ratings policy on inactivity also remains firmly in place.

“Boxers who go twelve months without a fight come out of the ratings, which rewards those who stay active,” he said.

Dike thanked the BSA board for its continued support, the BSA office for its dedication, and the matchmakers and promoters whose commitment makes fights happen and boxers shine.

“The board of BSA and the administration have set the stage, and our boxers are delivering on it,” Dike said, adding that local boxing is on the rise.

“The best is still to come. We call on promoters, sponsors, broadcasters and fans to get behind our champions and the next generation of fighters.”