By Mark Vester
Conflicting reports have been put in the media regarding the upcoming August 5 card headlined by Laila Ali in Cape Toen, South Africa.
Numerous reports have suggested the fight card is off because there was a lack of funds to pay Ali, but South Africa's boxing regulator, Boxing South Africa, has said that is not the case and the event is still on.
"The promoter has not said the fight is off, and the Ali camp has not said it is off. As long as we as BSA make decisions based on rumours and perceptions, boxing in this country won't go anywhere," said an officer of the BSA. "The fight will be off only when the promoter cannot go on with it."
There are claims of sabotage as a doctored letter appeared in a South African newspaper soliciting funds to pay Ali, and had commets from Ali and her promoter calling off the fight, which the BSA claims are false statements.
Undefeated heavyweight contender Joe Mesi has been slated to appear on the undercard.
