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Johannesburg - A visit from Floyd Mayweather is right on the money in terms of rejuvenating the sport and awakening the sleeping boxing giant in South Africa, SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) president Gideon Sam said on Wednesday.
Mayweather arrived on Wednesday on a tour of goodwill to the country.
Mayweather's visit comes after a successful National Boxing Indaba, which was hosted by Sports and Recreation South Africa in 2013 and falls within the overall strategy aimed at the mainstreaming of boxing in South Africa.
"The timing of his visit could not have been better as it slots perfectly into the resolutions of last year's important Boxing Indaba and the implementation process," Sam said.
"I have no doubt that those privileged to be in the areas that Mr Mayweather visits will be abuzz with excitement and eager to soak up his experience and tips to promoters, trainers and coaches."
Mayweather's visit was designed around the theme "Reawakening the giant", which goes in line with the all-embracing objective of the Boxing Indaba, which includes the resuscitation of boxing in South Africa and the creation of an enabling platform for South African boxing to once more thrive and dominate the world.
Sascoc CEO Tubby Reddy welcomed the renowned and undefeated American boxing champion.
"We welcome Mayweather to our country and we are fortunate to have a renowned boxing champion visit our nation and interact with our athletes.
"We hope the excellence Mayweather has shown in the sport of boxing will encourage and motivate our boxers to aim higher and excel at international level.
"Well done to Sports and Recreation South Africa on all your efforts in making this visit possible and hope it is of immense benefit to South African boxing and sport as a whole."
On his tour, Mayweather will conduct motivational talks with amateur and professional boxers, interact with and inspire local promoters and further engage with the corporate sector to mobilise funds to support South African boxing.
