Fighting for a better future
For Malope, who helps out in his father’s small business in Daveyton, it’s more than just being the best at his chosen sport. It has more to do with providing a better life, not only for himself, but for his girlfriend Zinhle and little boy Omphile.
Tsebo Malope is a young man who is determined to use his fistic talent to pave the way towards a better future.
The 23-year-old Daveyton resident will make his professional boxing debut in the cruiserweight division on the Southern Giant 19 card at Turffontein Race Course on November 9.
He has been slated for a scheduled four-rounder against former SA amateur champion Julian Cooke, who has been inactive since making his debut with a third-round knockout victory against Antonello Maree at Emperors Palace in April 2018.
The young pugilist has been under the watchful instruction of Steve van Wyk, the head trainer of the Box Pit Fitness Centre in Rynfield, which also offers training in the Muay Thai combat sports discipline.
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There is a saying that ‘attitude determines your altitude’ and just browsing through Malope’s daily training regime, nothing seems more indicative of that axiom.
Malope’s day starts as early as 3.30am on a weekday, where he puts in a three-hour intensive training session, with a two-hour workout every Saturday morning between 5am and 7am.
He then heads off to work before returning to the gym between 7.30pm and 9pm on week nights.
Van Wyk is adamant his charge is more than ready for his maiden appearance in the professional ring: “We expect a very hard fight, but I’m convinced Tsebo can outsmart his opponent in the ring. I like to call it ‘boxing education’. We know what he (Cooke) can or cannot do.
“He has an incredible knack of putting into practise exactly what he learns, a thirst for knowledge and an ability to judge what works for him and what doesn’t in the ring.”
“He is the hardest-working, loyal and likeable, friendly person I have ever met. He has a very high work ethic and discipline, almost to the point of obsession,” added his trainer.
“Tsebo is the face of our gym and one of the most likeable people, not only in our gym, but in his community too.”
