Professional boxer Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe will step into the ring later this month carrying more than gloves and grit.

She carries a story of resilience as she prepares to defend her WBO Africa title in a high-stakes bout that forms part of an anti-gender-based violence (GBV) boxing tournament.

Hadebe is set to face Sibulele Suboi from the Western Cape. “I will be fighting against the girl from the Western Cape, Sibulele Suboi, a very good and upcoming prospect, defending my title, the WBO Africa title.”

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“I do not doubt that I will defend my title very well and come back home with it again. Winning will mean a lot in getting us back into the rankings for us to challenge the bigger belts overseas.”

But for Hadebe, the fight is about far more than rankings. Having survived abuse at a young age, she now uses boxing as therapy and testimony, refusing to be silent and encouraging other survivors to speak out.

“I think this tournament is raising awareness enough already, having me as the main bout and also having been through abuse at an early age and not being ashamed to actually talk about it, to speak about it and let it be known.”

Her openness has already made an impact. She previously helped motivate an 11-year-old sexual abuse survivor to testify in court, a case that resulted in the perpetrator being convicted.

The anti-GBV tournament, hosted by Fighters Club Boxing Promotions on February 28 at Silver Lakes Farm Hotel, is deliberately staged during the month of love to challenge traditional ideas of romance and instead highlight protection, accountability, and community responsibility.

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Fighters Club, known for hosting bouts across the country, including Fourways, continues to use boxing as a platform for social change while bringing high-level competition closer to local communities. Beyond the action in the ring, organisers aim to create an immersive experience, including a halftime show, live streaming, and audience engagement activities designed to move spectators from awareness to action.

The headline bout between Hadebe and Suboi is expected to be one of the night’s highlights. Event promoter Terry-Ann Hart said the match-up was carefully chosen to test the champion.

“We were passionate about allowing Smash to showcase her skills and defend her title. Of the opponents available, we felt Sibulele would give her the best run for her money. We’re expecting a great fight.”

While GBV remains a national crisis, Hart believes the focus must now shift from awareness to action. “People know this is happening. What we need now is greater buy-in from communities to actively put an end to it.”

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