Makana's buzzing boxing scene is on the up and up as a number of local boxers turned professional recently.
Makana's buzzing boxing scene is on the up and up as a number of local boxers turned professional recently.
Five local boxers Bongani Mabona and Vuyani Swartbooi (Masibambane boxing club), as well as Sandile Khalipha, Eric Duda and Thembelani Budaza (Mfuzo boxing camp) all signed their professional boxing contracts recently. Although they've all signed the contracts, they can still fight as amateurs until the day that they fight in a professional bout.
Of the five new pro boxers, Swartbooi, Khalipha and Duda took part in Saturday's amateur boxing tournament. At the Mfuzo-hosted competition, which was held at Joza's Indoor Sport Centre last Saturday, Swartbooi fought against Wandisile Tyukana (Mfuzo). Swartbooi (also known as the Flying Fist) flexed his young professional wings and won by knock-out in the third round. Swartbooi said he was looking forward to a long career in boxing and hopes to one day be the champion in his division.
Duda came up against Wellem Burger (from Philbrow boxing camp in Uitenhage) and the energetic fight revealed Duda's professional calibre as he counter punched in all rounds, leading him to win by points.
Khalipha the Black Mamba fought against Anesipho Klaas (from local club Nkuthazo) and managed to draw with Klaas, which he said he was happy with, even though it was his last fight as a amateur. Khalipha said he's aiming for a long boxing career ahead of him, and, I would like to thank all those who helped me reach this point”.
Grahamstown's collection of pro boxers has increased from just three, (Mzoxolo Ndwayana, Masonwabe Mgcuwe and Ndudumo Lolwana) to eight because of these fresh young additions.
Makana Amateur Boxing Organisation (Makabo) president and coach, Bulelani Ndwayana said that these newbie professionals have passed the test, and now allow the local team to boast having eight pro members from Grahamstown. “The only step which is left is for them to be checked by the doctor so they can confirm that they're medically fit to compete,” said Ndwayana. Even the young upcoming boxers will look up to them.
