Junior middleweight champion Thami Mkwalo has set his sights on becoming a professional boxer following his recent success in the white-collar boxing ranks.

Mkwalo claimed the junior middleweight title in the White Collar Boxing League, now known as the Winning Champions Boxing League, run by Nathan van Wyk of Lakeside Boxing and Fitness.

Mkwalo won his title on December 6 last year. The victory came after an intense six-month training camp in preparation for the title bout.

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He trained three times a week at Lakeside Boxing Fitness in Germiston, which also hosted the tournament that featured several of its own fighters.

Mkwalo emerged victorious after five hard-fought rounds, winning by unanimous decision. The unbeaten fighter has expressed his desire to defend his title at the league’s next tournament. Mkwalo began his boxing journey shortly after being introduced to the sport in Centurion. Since then, he has competed in four fights and remains undefeated.

“My first match I won by decision, but I was nervous,” said Mkwalo.

“My second and fourth fights, including the title fight, were also won by decision, and I won my third bout by TKO.”

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Although he initially started in mixed martial arts (MMA), Mkwalo said boxing has become his true passion.

“I want to turn professional, but this year I want to focus on sharpening my skills. I’ve spent two years working on bettering myself and understanding my craft, because boxing is not just about throwing hands,” said Mkwalo.