Don Queen, alias Mbali Zantsi, the top woman boxing promoter in the country, will promote KwaZulu-Natal's lightweight national champion Irvin Buhlalus first title defence in Durban.
Zantsi (Showtime Promo-tions) is one of three women promoters in the country, the others being the Western Cape duo of Elizabeth Lakis and Nomlawu Kondile (co-owners of Queens Boxing Promotion).
The articulate Zantsi, who received her promoters licence in 2003, has been informed that Buhlalus first live SABC2 (Blow by Blow Uncut) Vodacom sponsored title defence is hers, provided the fight takes place in Durban.
Zantsi, who always was interested in the sport, following it on TV and radio, began working closely with promoters from 1999, learning as much as possible from them.
The Port Elizabeth born promoter proved a quick learner and few doubt she has a big future in the game.
Zantsi was the promoter when Buhlalu won the South African title in his fifth attempt when he beat Sikhule Sidzumo on points in Port Elizabeth.
Confirming Zantsi getting the nod for this title fight was Boxing South Africa's public relations officer Loyiso Mtya, who added that a meeting would be held later on Wednesday at Boxing South Africa's (BSA) offices in Brakpan to decide who Buhlalu would defend against.
Mtya said he was in the dark about who Buhlalu could face as he was not privy to this information at this stage.
However, it is known that 32-year-old Simphiwe Joni is in the mix despite being stopped in the sixth round of his attempt to win the WBA Pan African lightweight title against Namibian Paulos Moses at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia.
This was Jonis four defeat against 16 victories (16 KOs). Before this bout, Buhlalus manager Mzimasi Mnguni had already made overtures to the Joni camp so it would be fair to say that Joni has the inside lane as Buhlalu's first foe as champion.
Buhlalus trainer, Bongani Shezi, is aware of the interest in Joni and the pending title defence as training has already started at the The Gym in Greyville (Game City Centre)
Said Mtya: BSA is fully aware of the need to grow the sport in the province and now that you have a home grown national champion in Buhlalu, it makes sense that his first defence be in Durban.
There was more good news for local fans when Mtya said national light-heavy champion Erasmus Magwasa would also be defending his crown in Durban. A date and a decision on his opponent is also expected to be made on Wednesday.