Local youngster wins third national title
The 19-year-old has been racking up the wins as her career progresses.
Eagles Boxing Club in Dalview seems to have a real star in the camp. Chantel Erasmus recently won her third consecutive national title at the South African Championships in Rustenburg.
What has made this year’s win even more impressive, is that she did it in a new weight division. She had previously been fighting in the 51kg to 54kg division and has now moved up to the 54kg to 57kg division.
“It was a challenge because the weight depends on muscles and obviously you think they (boxers in a higher division) are stronger,” she said.
“But it was exciting because I challenged myself.”
This was also Erasmus’ first year fighting in the open category.
All very impressive for the youngster who has been in the sport since 2016.
Now she has her eyes set on the ultimate target – qualifying for the 2024 Olympics.
She is hoping to compete at the All Africa Games at a venue yet to be confirmed next month and then another international tournament in Russia. These tournaments will give her the opportunity to be part of the national squad being prepared for the 2024 Olympics.
Read: Local fighters excel at nationals
Boxing is in the blood for the youngster as her father and trainer, Morné, was a boxer.
“One night he took me to a boxing club and since then I’ve just been hooked,” she says.
“I love the adrenaline of getting into the ring and the competition.”
Erasmus looks to keep working on her skills as she looks to be more like her favourite boxer, undisputed World Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor.
As much as she admires Taylor, the local fighter is not yet sure if she wants to move from the amateur ranks to become a professional fighter.
“I don’t know if I will go pro soon, but there’s a maybe,” she says.
For now she is thinking about the Olympics, which she hopes to compete in twice.
The Eagles Boxing Club is looking for new members and those interested can contact trainers Morné Erasmus on 061 587 7276 or Koos van der Berg on 083 409 2714.
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