Linmeyer female boxing champ prepares for her big fight

Linmeyer’s Matshidiso Mokebisi (32) will soon be in the ring going head to head with her opponent, Nozipho Bell, for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) intercontinental junior lightweight title.

The mother of two, who has been in boxing for over a decade, is the SA junior featherweight champion and Gauteng junior welterweight champion.

Mokebisi, who was rated number one by International Boxing Organisation in June, is preparing for her next fight to take place on December 5 in Port Elizabeth.

Winning the IBF intercontinental junior lightweight title will open international doors for her as a professional boxer.

“I’m the first female boxer in the country who has fought in six weight divisions because of lack of fights. I am the SA junior featherweight champion, Gauteng junior welterweight champion and the former World Boxing Federation International junior featherweight and African Boxing Union SADC featherweight,” said Mokebisi.

In her professional career, she has had 23 fights and has won five titles in different weight divisions.

The fighter started boxing in 2004 in the Free State and turned professional in 2008.

“I grew up around boys and was fascinated by the physical sport. While at school, I was forever fighting until one day, I came across a boxing gym. That’s where my love for boxing started. Being a boxer isn’t child’s play. If you really want to become one of the best you have to work hard and be brave,” said Mokebisi.

Coming from a disadvantaged family, she said getting an opportunity in boxing was her breakthrough.

“In 2009, I lost my mother and a few months later, my father had a stroke. I had to drop out of school to look for a job and take care of my two siblings, my father and child. After becoming a champion, life became good. I was now getting good cash and I managed to provide for my family,” she said.