WATCH: Walkerville’s boxer retains her ABU title
Female champ, Smangele Hadebe, defended her African Boxing Union Flyweight title on August 25 at the ESPN headquarters.
Walkerville’s rising boxing star Smangele Hadebe, nickname Smash, remains the African Boxing Union titleholder after defending her championship at ESPN.
In the main fight of the tournament on August 25 at ESPN headquarters, she went head-to-head with Stumai Muki from Tanzania who succumbed to defeat in the third round.
The unwavering boxer could not keep up with Hadebe’s combination of blows as Hadebe won by technical knockout in the third round.
Ahead of her fight, she boasted her confidence and assured that she would be defending her title after many hours of preparation.
“I have worked so hard to just let my title go like that. I was so happy that I also got to go home earlier than I anticipated, as we were supposed to fight 10 rounds of action. The support I had was amazing from family friends, fans, sponsors, it was just beautiful,” said Hadebe.
She said she is looking forward to her next fight which will possibly be in November, going against an opponent from overseas, and possibly for another title.
“I’m grateful for the win and I thank God for it as well. I’m looking forward to more tournaments coming up. I thank ESPN for the opportunity, my manager Colleen McAusland and my sponsors, Drivetrain, Midvaal Municipality and Brawlgear,” Hadebe said.
Hadebe reiterated that she stands against the scourge of abuse of women and children in the country.
Her manager Colleen McAusland congratulated Hadebe for her triumph and said they were very proud of her matchless boxing talents.
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