Moruti "Babyface" Mthalane will make the mandatory defence of his IBF flyweight title against Silvio Olteanu in Spain for a pittance after Richard Sanchez Atocha, who guides the career of Olteanu, won the purse bid unopposed with R125000 in New York on Friday.
Sanchez won the bidding because the KZN Sports and Recreation department was too late releasing funds intended for the bid.
When asked about this, KZN government spokesman Gugu Khumalo, who in fact confirmed her province's commitment to Mthalane last week, said: "I told you when I spoke to you I was in hospital. I was released yesterday."
Purse bidding rules stipulate the champion gets 70% with the rest going to the challenger.
Out of the money he gets, Mthalane will have to pay his travel expenses and 25% to his trainer-manager Nick Durandt.
The fight, according to the purse bid rules, must take place 90 days after Friday.
Boxing SA's director of operations, Loyiso Mtya, who was heavily involved in convincing the KwaZulu-Natal government to assist Mthalane to defend his title at home, said he was "grossly disappointed" with them for letting down the province's hero.
Local promoter Thulani Magudulela was at a loss for words when he was contacted for a comment.
"Eish," he said before taking a deep breath. "I'm disappointed."
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