Local boxer shines at national boxing championships
“I have always wanted to be one of the best, and I knew to reach that milestone, I had to work hard and put in the time in the gym.”
Tsakani – Total Success Boxing Club boxers were part of the six-member team from Gauteng competing in the SANABO National Boxing Championship Youth and Elite held in Tzanene recently.
The boxers, Thando ‘The Game Changer’ Mtiya and Vuyo Mguni, walked away with gold medals. The first bout saw Siphesihle Nkomo from KwaZulu-Natal fight Mtiya, which ended in a first-round KO.
In the second bout, Bothle Lebethe from the Free State locked horns with Mtiya, again victorious with a first-round KO.
The Game Changer then moved to the semi-finals fighting Simphiwe Njungwini (Eastern Cape).
Mtiya won in the second round with a KO to make the finals, where he locked horns with Junior Kelly, fighting to points 5-0.
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Speaking to African Reporter, Mtiya said the fight wasn’t easy because he had to concentrate on winning.
He said this journey started a while ago, even before he became a candidate to represent Gauteng in the national championships.
“I have always wanted to be one of the best, and I knew to reach that milestone, I had to work hard and put in the time in the gym.
“With the help of my coach, Lwazi Xundu, who helped structure a plan and other necessary tools, I reached the set goal,” he added.
The defending champion, Mnguni, said he went to the championships as a champ in the youth category and had to set the tone.
“I fought three fights, which was not easy because the other boxers also were prepared to make it to the next round.
“It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to win this title as my first fight in the elite category,” he added.
Xundu said he was proud of the two fighters for making it that far in the competition.
“They showed discipline, determination and listened to instructions during training and implemented them.
“We are hard workers and always train as if we have an international fight that we are preparing for. We take every fight seriously,” he added.
