HARRY Simon and Bethuel ‘Tyson’ Ushona will be the star attractions of the Salute Boxing Academy’s first bonanza for the year.
The boxing establishment intends to stage the event, which will also see Abraham ‘Energy’ Ndaendapo make his IBF title defence against South African Mzonke Fana, at Eenhana on 26 March.
The bonanza will also see the return to action of former WBA Pan African flyweight title holder Joseph ‘Smokey’ Hilongwa.
“We have not finalised the contracts yet that’s why we can’t announce the opponents now. But we will inform you of who they are in due course,” said Hilongwa, who doubles as a match-maker at the academy.
The event is likely to centre around Simon and Ushona who are both looking to re-ignite stagnant careers. Once the darling of the country’s boxing scene, the undefeated Simon, who has not fought competitively for three years, has had to repeatedly fend-off talk of retirement.
The 26 March fight is the first of two that the 43 year-old plans to contest before May when he will launch his foundation.
Similarly, Ushona is out to prove a point after severing ties with former promoter Nestor Tobias and the MTC Sunshine Academy for the second time in his career.
In 2005, a then upcoming Ushona swapped Sunshine Promotions for the Harry Simon’s Onkugo Promotion who promised him a lucrative career in the United States of America.
However, that move proved futile and he re-signed Tobias two years later.
Although he has denied that there’s any bad blood between himself Tobias, Ushona hinted at feeling undervalued and mismanaged at the Sunshine Academy on Wednesday.
Ushona announced his split from Tobias, to join the rival stable established only nine months ago, shortly after losing the IBO Africa welterweight title to Sacky Shikukutu in December.
“I’m very happy to have joined the A-Team,” Ushona said.
“My aim is to make my dreams a reality… to be given a fair share in this industry. I believe Salute Boxing Academy can take me to the next level,” said the 33 year-old who is trained by Tobias Nashilongo at the Soweto Boxing Club.
That level has eluded the gifted fighter who has long been touted as a potential world champion but has so far fallen short of expectations when presented with the opportunity. The experienced fighter’s record stands at 34 wins, nine knock outs, four losses and a draw.
“A happy fighter is a winning fighter. I’m focused on doing business with people who understand my goals and want to grow with me,” said Ushona.
