Local talent Mphahlele gears up for first title shot

Local boxer Tumelo Mphahlele from Birchleigh North is seeing his career soar as his fights are now being televised.

The young athlete said his boxing journey is gaining momentum as he continues to improve and take his career to new heights.

Mphahlele’s passion for boxing began when a friend invited him to a gym.

What started as a casual interest soon became serious when he began training at the age of 17.

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Now 24, he has been boxing for seven years. His most recent bout took place on June 27 where he secured a unanimous decision victory.

“The journey has never been easy. It’s always been about hard work, determination and discipline,” said Mphahlele.

“I’ve sacrificed a lot to stay focused, including my old lifestyle and some friendships.

“My friend inspired me to start, and I’ve also looked up to Floyd Mayweather. My family has been supportive, even though they still don’t understand how I chose boxing over other sports.”

Mphahlele’s weekly training routine focuses on skill development, strength and conditioning.

He considers his ability to finish off an opponent when they are hurt as one of his greatest strengths, but admits he is still working on improving his defence.

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He said he uses strategy to outsmart his opponents by identifying their weaknesses, and his immediate goal is to win his next fight by knockout (KO).

“I don’t have a dream opponent,” he said.

“I just want everyone who holds a belt in my weight class.”

As his reputation grows, Mphahlele said he remains grounded.

“There’s more attention and pressure as you become well-known, but I stay humble and never forget where I come from.”

“It feels incredible to stand in the ring before a fight. I handle the pressure by treating it like a typical training day.

“I don’t have any pre-fight rituals, and I’ve never lost before. The most difficult moment was getting injured before a fight, but I told myself everything happens for a reason.”

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Looking ahead, Mphahlele said he wants to become one of the greatest of all time and hopes to guide younger boxers who look up to him.

“Boxing is a dangerous sport; anything can happen in the ring. Always be willing to learn and work hard.

“A good boxer knows how to box, but a great boxer knows how to win fights regardless of the situation,” he said.

Mphahlele added that his proudest moment was winning a fight that many believed he would lose.

His next fight is scheduled for November 28 at the Portuguese Hall in Johannesburg, where he aims to win his first title.