Kamanga returns to boxing, beats former champ
Kamanga still looks sharp, composed and mentally fit in the ring.
Under the bright lights of the Victory Theatre, boxing fans were treated to a night of grit, heart, and power at Colosseum of Combat 3 at Houghton Estate on June 16.
But the return of Paul ‘King’ Kamanga was the focus. After an exhilarating six-round war against a formidable former SA superlight weight champion Prince Dlomo, Kamanga emerged victorious, proving once again why he’s a lion in the ring.
Originally scheduled to face Uganda’s Isaac Zebra Jnr, Kamanga had to adapt when the fight card changed, and he was instead matched against SA standout Dlomo. The last-minute switch didn’t shake Kamanga’s focus. If anything, it sharpened it.
“It was nerve-wracking,” Kamanga admitted post-fight in an interview with Hayden Jones from SA Boxing Talk. “The change in opponent definitely added pressure, but I’m thankful to Prince Dlomo for stepping in and sharing the ring. He’s a skilled fighter, and I respect him,” he said.
Despite a three-year break from professional boxing, Kamanga looked sharp, composed, and mentally dialled in across all six rounds. The time away from the sport was no holiday – Kamanga dedicated it to building his company, King Kamanga Boxing and giving back through charitable work.
“I used the time away to focus on my business and grow it to a point where I could step away for training,” he shared. “Before, I just couldn’t afford that luxury. Now, God made a way.”
Kamanga gave all glory for his comeback to one name: “I thank the Lord Jesus for this victory. This fight was a testament to my ability to box, to persevere, and to trust God’s timing,” he said.
Jones remarked on the crowd support throughout the fight. The support inside the venue was thunderous, with an undeniable energy throughout the fight. Kamanga expressed his gratitude to his family, sponsors, clients, and colleagues who came out in numbers to show their support.
Some had been with him from the very beginning, while others were newer connections made through business, but all played a part in making the night special.
Kamanga also extended heartfelt thanks to the brands that stood by him on his journey back to the ring: Skynet, DMA, Big Bomb, Nexus Travel, and Shanalee Apparel. He also gave special recognition to Avroy, who helped keep the business afloat while he was in training camp. “That support allowed me to focus and do what I needed to do in camp,” he said.
One of the night’s most touching moments came when Paul’s son, Blessing Kamanga, was interviewed ringside. “It was a very good performance,” he said proudly.
“After three years out, he fought well. There were a few rounds I was conflicted about, but in the end, I’m just happy my dad won.”
As for what’s next, Kamanga isn’t rushing the future. When asked about potential divisions, he admitted, “Being in my 30s, it’s not as easy to cut weight as it used to be. But I’ll listen to my body and see if Junior Welterweight is still the right fit.”
Kamanga ended the night with a message that summed up the spirit of both his journey and the event: “In boxing, winning is what keeps people watching. Tonight was a tough fight, but I had to win – for myself, for everyone who believed, and to show I still have this. Let no man forget how menacing we are, we are lions and victory is ours!”
All the warriors who stepped into the ring at Colosseum of Combat 3 are saluted.
