Sportsman rises from soccer pitch to boxing ring
Boxer Ndzalama Ntshani, Gauteng Welterweight champion, has made a name for himself in the boxing community and is reaching for greater heights.
Ndzalama Ntshani (29), fondly known as ‘Ricky the Freezer’, has been welcomed in the boxing fraternity and is making a name for himself.
The Gauteng Welterweight champion from Kibler Park initially became a professional boxer in 2018 under Habib Boxing Gym, with trainer Grant Habib and Arafaat Kock.
He pursued boxing because he already had a good physical and sports background, having played football.
Ntshani had been exposed to intense training activities at a tender age, from as young as 16 years. He was an Orlando Pirates Development soccer player under Augusto Palacios.
“I started boxing because I found it interesting enough and it would keep me away from bad company. It was also a good rehabilitation for me after I lost my little brother in 2015. I changed sporting codes because I liked boxing from the first day I trained,” he said.
In his first professional fight, he won via TKO against Luvo Liliso.
His win paved a way for few other fights, which included a loss against Boyd Allen, a draw against Kalele and a win against Simphiwe Ntombela. This put me in line for the Gauteng Welterweight vacant title,” said Ntshani.
He then beat Sheldon Schultz via TKO, becoming the champion under trainer Coach Vusi Mtolo, managed by Collen McAusland.
“Most people know me as the happy and laughing guy. I currently work for the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, and I’m studying towards a teaching degree. In years to come I would like to see myself as a world champion with some good sponsors,” he said.
