Vuyo Radebe (24) and André Mulumba Kanyinda (21) turned professional in their respective boxing categories earlier this year, and they share how they’ve dominated the ring.

Vuyo is in the junior welterweight class and started his boxing journey in 2018; however, at that time, he did not take it seriously.

He initially started boxing for self-defence, but during the lockdown period, he started to develop a passion for the sport. In 2021, he started going to fights and gained experience under his coach, Donavin Dullisear, who said he saw Vuyo’s potential.

“He is always motivated, and I’m glad he got where he wanted to be.”

Under the guidance of his new coach, Ryno Liebenberg, he went pro and won his first fight against an opponent known for his knockouts, in August at the Theatre of Champions tournament.

“It felt like my dreams are coming closer, little by little,” he said.

Vuyo describes his fighting style as a brawler, where he charges at the opponent; however, he stays relaxed in the ring because he does not enjoy being tense. His strong point is his endurance, and he claimed most of his wins and knockouts because of this.

“I recommend parents sign up their children for boxing. It teaches them self-defence, discipline and keeps them away from vices such as drugs and alcohol,” he stated.

André, on the other hand, fights in the light-heavyweight category and started his journey in 2021, after he was picked on at school, and wanted to learn how to defend himself.

He also went pro this year and is awaiting his debut fight. He did not see any difference in his fighting style from amateur and pro, as he has always trained with pros.

His coach, Gregory Clark, said that he is a world champion in the making.

André describes his fighting style as orthodox and said he is more of a ‘clean’ boxer than a brawler. He added that his strengths are his speed, accuracy and power, where he prefers to think in the ring, and learn from his opponent.

“If you put your mind to it, you can achieve your goals. Boxing looks easy, but it is actually very difficult, and you need to be able to take some punches,” he said.

Both of them train twice a day, six days a week and have their eyes set on becoming world champions.

“I look forward to my way to the top and working with sponsors,” said Vuyo, while André concluded, “Every boxer dreams of becoming a world champion, but I believe it is my destiny.”