QUEENSURGH resident Louis du Plessis started Burra Boxing and Fitness Training about five years ago when he wanted to get his son into the sport but there was nothing in their area or even close to them.

Du Plessis said he eventually met a coach in the Chesterville informal settlement who was training the youngsters in that area.

“I quickly got involved, started helping him train the boys and slowly became part of the family there. We were welcomed and the community was very happy to see us there,” he said with a smile.

He was there for just over a year when he decided to bring the boxing to Queensburgh.

“I took one of the older boys with me, his name is Mondli Nzuza. He is a very talented young man with exceptional boxing skills and a great teacher. He is so good with our students, both young and old.”

The training started in his back yard under the stars and as the club grew, he slowly started making plans, breaking walls down, tarring his driveway and putting up a massive awning to accommodate the students and make it more comfortable for them to train.

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“We started off with one class but as we grew I had to split them up and make two classes. One from 17:00 to 18:00 for children and another from 18:00 to about 19:30 for adults.”

He explained that the name Burra is short for Queensburgh.

According to Du Plessis Burra Boxing is about far more than boxing.

“Its philosophy is simple; build the person, not just the boxer. Through boxing, Burra aims to develop discipline, confidence, resilience and character, both inside and outside the ring. It provides a safe, supportive place where children and adults can belong, challenge themselves, overcome obstacles and discover their own strength.

“At Burra, it’s not about where you start, how fit you are or whether you win every fight. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, getting back up when life knocks you down, and becoming stronger than you were yesterday.”

He advised that all ages, all fitness levels are welcome.

“Our youngest member is six years old and our oldest member is 70. Boxing has made a positive impact on children and youth in Queensburgh and Malvern by giving them a safe and productive way to spend their spare time, especially after school, helping keep them away from drugs, crime and other negative influences.”

As one of the only boxing clubs operating in the Queensburgh area, they provide young people with an opportunity to exercise, learn discipline, build confidence and develop important life skills.

“For many children, the club has become more than just a place to train; it has become a home where they feel accepted, supported and able to find their purpose in life. We also create a strong family environment where people from different backgrounds and families from different socio-economic backgrounds, come together, support one another and grow together.”

At Burra, they do it all, they focus on fitness, confidence, self-defence and also train competitive fighters.

“We have members who are active fighters and attend fighting events all over the province. My nine-year-old daughter Kiki has had three fights while my 10-year-old son Jnr has had six fights.

“We have another 13-year-old girl Buhle who has had one fight. There is also 12-year-old Slayde that is going for his third fight this weekend at knuckle games in Durban North.

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“There is Caleb with four fights, with our legend, coach Mondli Nzuza, who has had six fights. We also got a heavyweight fighter Tando that had his first fight in Shelly beach recently at Box360.”

Du Plessis added that they compete against all the big boxing clubs around KZN like Relentless Boxing club, Knuckle Games, Chatsworth Boxing Academy and others.

“We also have members who just come to train, get fit and have a place where they feel like they belong. Initially I wanted to join Burra Boxing as a hobby, however, I realised that it quickly shaped my mentality towards my mind, body and shape. It has instilled discipline which has also shaped how I viewed some of the bad habits I had and was successfully able to replace them with boxing. It’s slowly building up my concentration, confidence and also health,” said a proud Queensburgh resident.

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