Elsburg MMA fighters on the rise
Both athletes recently celebrated victories in their respective boxing matches under the guidance of veteran martial arts coach Pieter “Thunder” Coxen.
Thunder MMA in Elsburg is nurturing a new generation of fighters, with Musa Shabalala and Wandile Sibisi emerging as promising talents.
Both athletes recently celebrated victories in their respective boxing matches under the guidance of veteran martial arts coach Pieter ‘Thunder’ Coxen.
Coxen’s gym has produced several young athletes who have competed in prestigious events like the MMA South African Championships and the 2022 IMMAF Youth World Championships.
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With Shabalala and Sibisi’s recent success, Coxen is confident his academy is moving in the right direction.
“When Musa joined, he was rough around the edges but eager to learn,” said Coxen.
“Discipline is the first thing I teach all my students. Musa has shown tremendous growth in both MMA and boxing. Wandile, despite challenges in his background, has remained undefeated in boxing.”
Shabalala has a record of 1-0 in MMA and 3-1 in boxing, while Sibisi boasts an undefeated 3-0 boxing record.
“We’re preparing for an exciting trip to Durban, where another fighter, Kayden Wesson, will have his first senior MMA fight,” Coxen added.
Shabalala reflected on his journey, recalling the nerves he felt during his first match.
“Boxing taught me self-discipline and how to control my reactions. My coach is always positive, and trying MMA was an eye-opener. It’s harder than boxing because your entire body becomes a weapon,” he said.
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Sibisi, inspired by watching boxing with his grandfather, joined Thunder MMA in 2022.
“I’ve always been different from my peers, who mostly dream of soccer. I had my first fight six months after joining and won by the third round. My last fight was a first-round win in just 42 seconds,” said Sibisi.
For both athletes, training at Thunder MMA is more than a sport—it’s a form of therapy. “We love it here,” Sibisi added.
Coxen encourages schools to reach out for classes tailored to children with discipline challenges.
“Martial arts instills focus and respect, which can help students thrive,” he said.
For more information, contact Coxen via WhatsApp at 061 154 0315.
