Round Table’s Golden East 181 club house in Lakefield is donning a new coat, with the rhythmic sounds of calculated punches signalling a new era in the club’s ongoing commitment to community service.

On August 23, the Phoenix Community Boxing Club, a registered NPO and affiliated member of Boxing SA, officially opened its doors, welcoming aspiring boxers and those looking to become ‘box fit’ to its club.

Converting the landmark Round Table Golden East 181 club house into a fully-fledged boxing club was the brainchild of former ‘Tabler’ and former boxer, Alex Staniland.

“Boxing SA is in tatters. Of the more than 500 registered professional boxers, only 250 stepped into the ring, only once, last year,” said Staniland.

“Local boxing has become a poor man’s sport, but I do believe through development and investment in the sport, creating a platform where aspiring athletes can go through the ranks, we could once again deliver boxing elite, such as Jacob ‘Baby Jake’ Matlala, Harold ‘The Hammer’ Volbracht and Thulani Malinga.

“Our aim is to give boxing a home in Benoni, a place where magic can be cultivated.”

Head coach Thabo Ntabanyana (Coach T), has for years been associated with big-name boxers, Tommy ‘Gun’ Oosthuizen being one of the most recent fighters to come out of his stable.

“I lived for boxing, my gloves became extensions of my personality and passion,” said Ntabanyana.

“An unfortunate shoulder injury led to the retirement of my gloves but it opened new doors to assist and develop up-and-coming boxers; five amateurs and three pros, to be exact.”

He continued by saying that parents often dissuade their children from pursuing boxing as a sport, fearing that it may encourage violent and domineering tendencies.

For Kabelo Sekele (14), the opposite is true with the teen saying the sport has steered him away from being a troubled youth.

“I used to be the worst type of bully at school. I believed everyone was going out of their way to get me into trouble. My parents spent more time in the principal’s office than I did in class,” said the teen.

“Being disciplined for my behaviour often resulted in school ground brawls.

“I started training with Coach T in 2023 and that was the reality check I needed.

“My grades have improved and I am no longer labelled as a troublemaker. My priorities and goals have changed. I am now working towards becoming a well-rounded contender in the ring.”

Attending the opening of the club, former South African Welter weight champion and Boksburg resident, Harold ‘The Hammer’ Volbrecht said, it is refreshing to see an organisation such as the Round Table throwing its weight behind this initiative.

“Boxing is a great sport with its benefits going beyond the physical,” said the legend, who enjoyed more than 400 professional fights during his 14 year career.

“In a time where youngsters are struggling to find their identity, boxing is a wonderful outlet for pent-up frustration. It requires growth and demands focus. I believe that grass root development initiatives such as this, has the potential to transform lives while injecting new talent into the field.”

The Phoenix Community Boxing Club is, however, not just a place for aspiring boxers to hone their skills. Members of the public are welcome to join its ranks.

“We will be offering a variety of programmes including group boxercise classes, private training and hope to expand into continuous self-defence classes,” said Staniland.

“We invite the community to enjoy the facility while opening an additional revenue stream for our talented trainers.”

For more information about the club or to become a member contact Staniland on 081 390 8907 or WhatsApp 071 158 3750.

Alternatively email alex@phoenixboxing.org.za

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