Just a day before Influencer, YouTuber, and club hostess Inno Morolong was meant to box against GBV activist Ashleigh Ogle at the Studex on 21 April at the Durban ICC, businessman and organiser Tumelo Ramaphosa cancelled her following an outcry from club hostess and former model Babalwa 'Barbilicious' Mneno.
COMPLAINTS
The announcement of the fight was made on 2 April. Babalwa took to social media to ask that Inno Morolong be removed as this will not be a fair fight. "Nobody should waste their hard-earned money to go watch that boxing match. Ashleigh has already lost the fight because Inno gave Tumelo Ramaphosa the main promoter a girlfriend. Duhh!" Babalwa said, referring to Eva Modika. "Let's hypothetically assume the couple wasn't introduced by Velaphi (Inno), the fact remains the fight will be biased against Ashleigh because Velaphi is best friends with Tumelo's girlfriend, simple," she added. "This fight will never be fair on any opponent of Velaphi (Inno) If it's handled by Buffalo's son. They really think we don't know this is a way to fund the broke lady. Also, how is the Nelson Mandela Foundation involved or associated with people who bully people? Isn't that what he stood against?" Babalwa went to say.
CANCELLED
The match was organised by Studex Meat, The Nelson Mandela Foundation, and International Boxing Association. Inno had signed her contract and started working out when she was told that she will be replaced by MMAF All-African 2018 Flyweight Champion, Cassandra Le Roux. A close source revealed to ZiMoja that the cancellation was due to the social media posts by Babalwa. "Barbilicious really caused a mess. She made Tumelo panic and worry about associating his brand with someone who is being labelled a bully," the source reveals. "The fight involves a lot of sponsors and he doesn't want to jeopardise his reputation. Inno was a great candidate, she has the numbers. She is harmless, and just an entertainer, but people like Barbs take her seriously. Yes, bullying is a serious matter, but Inno is harmless." When called for comment, Inno referred ZiMoja to her publicist Thanduxolo Jingela who could not be reached, "I'm still in shock and traumatised, please call my publicist. Right now, I'm recovering from a leg injury." Tumelo has since commented in a statement. "On behalf of Studex Celebrity Boxing, We would like to confirm on record that influencer and YouTuber, Inno Morolong will no longer be participating in the celebrity boxing match taking place at the Durban ICC on 21 April," the statement reads. "This is due to unforeseen circumstances. Ashleigh Ogle will continue to go against Cassandra Le Roux. We wish Ms Morolong all the best, and we hope to work with her in the near future. Do not miss out on Pholoso Mahlala going against Nzuzo Njilo and Munyai Ngwazi Thuso against Sikhwenu Chenge Tshengengedzeni.See you at the Durban ICC."
