After an intense battle against the defending champion, Sean Ness, Makhanda’s Champion, Mziwoxolo Ndwayana won the South African Welterweight Championship in Johannesburg last month. This is the second championship that Ndwayana has won in his eighteen year career, with his previous belt being the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Welterweight championship.
Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Ndwayana started boxing in 2000, but set his sights on the SA Welterweight title a few months ago. “Sean Ness is a southpaw, and I used to watch his fights. He is tough, and he has that experience, but me and my sparring mates knew that he wouldn’t make it,” said Ndwayana. “I am more experienced than him.”
Ndwayana has not always been just a boxer, however. He had stopped playing soccer in 2009, but knows that all sports are important in life, particularly in Makhanda. “I would like these young stars to commit themselves in sport. Even if it is cricket, football or soccer, as long as they are committed in sport,” said Ndwayana. “These guys [coaches]are mentors, because they taught us how to be disciplined… that is what I love about sport.”
Ndwayana will now look to continue his training, hopefully becoming the world champ again. “Every boxer out there is hoping to be world champion one day. You just need to keep working hard… it is all about the discipline and dedication,” said Ndwayana.
