Boxing Promoter of Savva Savvas and Western Cape boxing boss Mzoli Tempi at Cabo beach during Fight Island.
Image: Lonwabo Marele
The echoes of the inaugural Fight Island may still be sounding through the Cape Town boxing circles. The boxing show held at Cabo beach in October of 2024, reset expectations for local boxing.
It wasn't just the fights themselves, though they are the main attraction, but the entire spectacle, the vibrant atmosphere, and the world-class production. After all, the organisers also dub it Vegas in Africa, so the results were always going to have to mirror that of, arguably, the capital of world boxing.
Drawing fight fans and casual observers alike back to the shores of Cabo Beach for the second installment, this edition has a promise of even more electrifying action.
Headlining this event on April 26 is the promising talent of Dean Promnick. The young middleweight, since turning professional a year ago, carries a record of four wins from four, three of them by stoppages.
Promnick represents a new wave of Cape Town boxing, hungry and determined. Only one of his contests has taken place in front of his Cape Town support. The last two outings were in Gauteng, specifically Kempton Park. The most recent of these was a grueling six-round affair against Morgan Hunter, a battle that tested Promnick's mettle and went the distance, with Promnick ultimately taking the split decision win.
Standing opposite him in the main event will be Malawian Kudakwache Banda, who will want to be the one to disrupt Promnick's ascent.
Promnick will be looking to secure victory on home soil and in a manner that matches the excitement that comes with the mention of his boxing prowess.
The co-main event has a particular attraction about it for the boxing purists. Kaya Mlata, a junior featherweight on the rise, is set to lock horns with Sabelo Ngebinyane in a ten-round showdown.
On paper, this is the fight with the makings of the fight of the night. Mlata, possessing an unblemished record and a reputation for technical brilliance, represents the future of the division. Ngebinyane, on the other hand, is a former SA and IBF champ with a reputation for relentless pressure.
This fight promises to be a captivating tactical battle.
Adding further spice to the already stacked card is an eight-round flyweight encounter between Beaven Sibanda and Nhlanhla Tyirha. Tyirha, a former South African champion, carries the experience.
Sibanda, however, is hungry and has sights firmly set on a world title opportunity.
Then there was Wade Hammond, a true multi-talented combatant. Fresh off a K1 victory and the belt that came with it at PFC promotions, Hammond is switching gears, trading kicks for punches as he stepped into the boxing ring for a six-round super middleweight battle against Sifiso Chili.
This crossover appeal adds another layer of intrigue to the event, showcasing Hammond's versatility.
The absence of kicks would undoubtedly present a different challenge for Hammond, but his proven fighting spirit makes him a compelling addition to the card.
Caleigh Swart is another unbeaten prospect eager to extend her professional record in her fifth fight against Nolwazi Mabaso.
In total, a staggering 10 fights are scheduled for the night, a testament to the depth of boxing talent in and around Cape Town. The setting at Cabo Beach, already renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, is being transformed into a world-class boxing arena.
Clearly, learning from the success of the first installment, the second one promises an even more immersive and electrifying experience for fans.