White Buffalo magic at Umhlali

Umhlali Preparatory pupils came face to face with one of South Africa’s greatest heavyweight boxers last week. Luckily for the children, they were not going toe-to-toe with the boxing legend.

Francois Botha, or better known as the White Buffalo, spoke to Umhlali’s Grade R pupils alongside his manager Hardy Mileham about the benefits of boxing.

Botha picked up boxing at a similar age to the children and believes the sport is a great way to teach discipline and respect.

“When people talk about boxing, they think it is barbaric and aggressive but the truth is that it teaches you respect and balance. Boxing made Frans disciplined enough to become a boxing champion,” Mileham told the pupils.

Mileham said boxing is great because it is governed and strict. It also requires hard work and determination in training to be able to fight 12 rounds.

The children took turns asking questions and enjoyed a sparring demonstration by boxers from the Ringside boxing gym in Ballito.

“It is great to come out here with Frans just to introduce children to boxing. It is an art and the skill must be developed,” said Mileham.

Botha enjoyed chatting to the pupils and recounted how he started out.

“My dad used to play rugby when I was young and he encouraged me to get outdoors. I first tried out wrestling then moved to boxing. I lost quite a few fights at first but then I started to win,” Botha said.

“Boxing should start in schools, we are hoping to start a revival and see it boom. I am honoured to be here,” said Botha.

The White Buffalo believes both boxing and karate are great ways to teach self defense as well as confidence.

“I remember when I was an amateur boxer, I was proud of all my trophies and it really helped me on my way. You look up at your wall and see what you have achieved,” he said.

Botha and Mileham hope to help create another boxing icon.

“We want a boxer who leads a clean life, a quality role model. With boxing in the Olympics, it is really becoming a viable career path,” said Mileham.

With that in mind they are planning to start a monthly Box and Dine event in Ballito in June.

“Maybe one day we can bring a World Title Fight to Ballito,” said Botha.

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