When Paul King Kamanga stepped into the ring in the UK, it was more than just another bout. It was a make-it-or-lose-it moment. He had placed everything on that fight; his dreams, sacrifices and identity as a fighter.

Losing the fight felt like the end. The defeat did not reflect only on the scorecards; it pierced his spirit. Kamanga became deeply depressed and questioned his worth, journey and future.

The loss weighed so heavily that he even battled suicidal thoughts. The silence in those moments was louder than any crowd he had faced.

He lived and fought there between 2016 and 2018. However, returning to SA was a turning point. Surrounded by family, he found the support system he desperately needed. Their presence, love and steadfast belief carried him through the darkest season of his life. Where the fight had nearly broken him, his family slowly rebuilt him.

Remembering Christopher Carr

Sometime later, Kamanga received a random Facebook message about a mutual friend he had grown up with in SA. Christopher Carr had later moved to the UK in search of greener pastures.

“He was caring. When I fought in Southampton, he came and spent a few days with me. When I went to visit the UK in 2022, I stayed with him for a few days. He was a special friend,” he said.

The message carried devastating news: Carr had taken his life. What hurt the most was learning that no one really knew what was going on with him. No one knew his complete whereabouts in his final days. He must have felt completely alone.

That reality deeply struck Kamanga because he understood that dark place. He had once stood on that edge himself. Carr’s death became a painful reminder of how silently men suffer, and how critical it is to speak up before it’s too late.

Honouring Lee Dyer

In Durban on March 13, Kamanga will step into the ring for an exhibition fight in memory of Lee Dyer against former African champion David Rajuili.

Dyer passed away during a training camp in 2025. His death is a loss to the boxing community and to everyone who knew him. As a fighter, he was dedicated to his craft, preparing for battle in the ring when his life was unexpectedly cut short.

“Lee’s story reminds us how fragile life can be, even for the strongest among us,” he noted.

Fighting for mental health awareness

This exhibition fight is about more than boxing. It is about remembrance, healing and awareness.

Kamanga will use this platform to raise awareness for mental health, especially for men.

“Men often suffer in silence. They quietly carry pressure.

“The devil magnifies their problems internally. They are taught to be strong, endure and man up; however, unspoken pain can grow into something far more dangerous. Too many men fight battles no one can see; that pushes them to the brink of suicide,” he said.

Khamanga knows that fight. Through this campaign, he wants men to understand one powerful truth: You are not alone.

If he is unable to personally speak to help you through your situation, he will help you find someone who can. No one should feel abandoned in their darkest hour.

He thanked Skynet, DMA, JJ’s Automotive Supplies, Tremark and the sponsors supporting this mental health awareness campaign. Their partnership helps transform pain into purpose.

“This exhibition fight is not just about throwing punches. It is about breaking the silence and honouring lives lost. It is about saving lives still being fought for because, sometimes, the toughest fight is not in the ring, it is in the mind,” Kamanga noted.

To contribute to this campaign or get involved, connect via Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: Kingkamangaboxing or
www.kingkamangaboxing.co.za