Argentinean Boxer Stabbed Ahead of Scheduled SA Fight

By Mesuli Zifo

The promoter of South African boxer Luzuko Siyo is frantically searching for a replacement after original opponent Raul Eliseo Medina of Argentina was stabbed back home just days before he was set to fly into the country.

Siyo and Medina were slated to headline a Sijuta Promotions tournament at Wild Coast Sun Casino in Mzamba, SA next Friday.

The event will mark the first time boxing returns to the exotic resort in 10 years since former two time world champion Mbulelo Botile  who held IBF titles in bantamweight and featherweight divisions, ended his career on a whimper following a devastating seven rounds stoppage defeat by Anthony Tshehla in 2005.

After the death of the sport in the holiday resort, Sijuta boss Andile Sidinile was approached by the casino’s holding company Sun International to revive boxing in the area.

The pair reached a two tournament-deal with the first date being next Friday followed by another one in January next year.

However the first date has already started on a wrong footing with the stabbing of Medina whose condition is yet to be confirmed.

Sidinile confirmed that the Argentinean will no longer feature in the card after the stabbing and assault back home.

“Fortunately we had not yet booked him his flight to SA when this happened,” he said. “The reports I got from Argentine is that he was not only stabbed but assaulted as well. I do not have full details of the tragedy.”

Sidinile has, however allayed fears that the bout might be scrapped saying that he was busy looking for a replacement for Siyo who is the former SA junior flyweight and IBO intercontinental champion with just two losses in 17 bouts.

“We should have a replacement by Wednesday and the bout will continue,” he said.