Kempton boxers represent South Africa in Russia

Kempton Park Boxing Club twin boxers Danny In’t Veld (52kg–54kg division) and Connor In’t Veld (50kg–52kg division) travelled to Nadym, Russia, to compete in the Vladislav Strizhov Memorial Boxing Tournament.

The tournament took place from November 27 to 30, where the brothers represented South Africa with distinction.

The South African Boxing Organisation received an invitation from the Russian Boxing Federation to send a team to the event.

The tournament catered for boxers aged 13 to 14, and the national selection committee chose two boxers and a coach to represent the country.

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Kempton Park Boxing Club coach Peter Armstrong was the team coach.

The twin brothers are multiple South African champions, and this was the first time that U16 boxers represented the country internationally.

Armstrong, who served for many years as a national coach, brought valuable experience to the team.

“As the announcement of the team was made on November 22, and they had to leave on November 26, there was not much time for preparation.

“But these two young boxers are always fit and prepared to compete and were confident they would do well in their first international event,” said Armstrong.

Fourteen countries and more than 100 boxers competed. The standard was exceptionally high, with many national and continental champions participating.

“The competition was held in temperatures of up to minus 36 degrees, with snow lying thick on the ground, but this did not stop Danny and Connor from producing red-hot performances in the ring.

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“The two South Africans were brilliant, and both won gold medals,” Armstrong added.

This achievement was historic, as no South African boxers in their age group have achieved this feat before.

Adding to the triumph, Danny was named best boxer of the tournament, a significant honour given the high calibre of participants.
Results

Connor In’t Veld (50kg–52kg)
Semi-final: Defeated Alimdhonov Oibek (Uzbekistan) on points
Final: Defeated Inanmasov Azim (Russia) on points.
Danny In’t Veld (52kg–54kg)
Quarter-final: Defeated Duminika Duniil (Russia), second round stoppage
Semi-final: Defeated Anutenko Mark (Russia), second round stoppage
Final: Defeated Gulevich Semen (Russia) on points.
Albert Batyrgaziev, the Russian boxer who won gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, handed over the gold medals and the trophy for best boxer of the tournament.
Danny and Connor are determined to follow in his footsteps and aim to be crowned Olympic champions at the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia.

“Danny and Connor are role models for other young sportspersons. They are a testament that through hard work, dedication, and a clean and healthy lifestyle, the top level of any sport can be reached.

“Their motto is: ‘Always be ready and always give your best, no matter how hard the competition is,” Armstrong said.