Dreaming of becoming a boxing icon

Falling in love with boxing at the age of 14, Lesego Thato Bonokoane, also known as Captain Charisma recently competed in Russia for the World Boxing Organization junior featherweight title.

The fight that took place in Yekaterinburg on 22 January, was between Thato and Asror Vokhidov. Unfortunately Vokhidov beat him in round nine by technical knockout.

Although the experience in Russia was not one of his best, he said, “It was one hell of an experience, so somewhere, somehow I should say it was a good thing for me”.

Thato who already has titles – the World Boxing Federation All Africa belt and the Gauteng belt – behind his name said he would not be discouraged and would continue with his dream to become a world champion. He is now looking for a sponsor.

He started at the age of 18 as a street boxer, after he had fallen in love with the sport four years earlier when he was a footballer.

His family does not necessarily share his talent for boxing, and he laughingly explained that his younger brother also dabbled in boxing but that he is much better at football.

When asked what his signature move is, he said he does not really have one, but, “I know I can punch a lot harder than people think I can”.

Thato said he used to train constantly, but that has changed.

“At the end of the day there is life after boxing and we have families and responsibilities that need our attention.”

So what is next for Captain Charisma? He is not entirely sure but said he would focus on getting a fight where he can win a belt or something bigger and better, adding that he needs to win and win in style, and make as much money as he can. “I am not getting any younger.”

And what is his boxing dream?

“I would love to win the national title, defend it a few times, vacate it, and be a world champion,” he explained.

He dreams of becoming a well-known icon in South African boxing.