Joburg South’s very own boxing champ mounts female boxing ranks
Walkerville’s Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe gave spectators a spectacular show in her recent international bout when she took on Thailand boxer Phannaluk Kongsang.
Professional boxer Simangele Hadebe is undoubtedly keeping her word on rising to fame in the boxing domain.
With at least 13 wins under her name, the local SA Flyweight and African Boxing Union champ beat the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia champ in an eight-round bout in Ormonde on May 6.
It was a nail-biting moment when Hadebe went the distance in a non-title bout with her international counterpart at the ‘night of the champions’ – defeating Kongsang by unanimous decision.
“It was a tough fight as every power punch I threw seemed like it was landing on rocks because she kept on coming. I’m very happy with the way I prepared as I was very fit. Thank you to the sponsors,” said Hadebe.
She said she could have gone extra rounds, however, the bout was scheduled for eight rounds, which helped in keeping her busy and getting her back into the game.
“I haven’t fought for almost a year. Thanks to Boxing 5, my last fight only ended in the third round, so I needed the rounds. I’m still 15th in the WBC ranking and I think the ranking will be going up again after a few weeks, which I’m happy about. I’m hoping the next bout can be a title fight,” she said.
The Johannesburg South champ, who herself is a survivor of abuse, continues to advocate against abuse on women and children.
Hadebe’s manager Colleen McAusland said though her opponent was tough and came to fight, she won every round.
“This was a strategic fight that we agreed upon to help Smash with her ranking. Smash is ranked number 15 in the WBC ranking, number one in Africa, and number three in Commonwealth. Beating the Asia champ is going to put her in the top 10 rank ratings for WBC,” said McAusland.
She said they are expecting to go back in the ring in August, where Hadebe will fight for the WBC International belt.
“We’re very proud of her and if it wasn’t for her sponsors, RGM Cranes and Drivetrain, she wouldn’t have been able to prepare so well. We have big plans for Smash,” McAusland said.
