Boxer Thando Mthembu aims for global glory
From a young boy in Soweto to South Africa's National boxing champion, Thando Mthembu is now ready to take on the world, recently making into the South African National boxing team and putting the country on the map in boxing.
At just 22 years old, Thando Mthembu has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in South African boxing.
The KZN-born fighter, who now studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), is the national champion in the 51kg weight class and recently qualified for the South African National boxing team.
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Mthembu’s journey in boxing started in 2015 when he joined Brixton Hugenote Boxing Club. Reflecting on his growth in the sport, he highlighted how boxing had shaped his mindset both in and out of the ring.
“Boxing teaches you a lot – it is about being strategic, approaching situations with a plan, and controlling your emotions,” Mthembu said. “It’s known as an individual sport but teamwork plays a big role because you learn every day. You can never say you know everything in boxing.”
Mthembu’s rise to the top was not without challenges. Growing up in Soweto, he initially struggled to access national competitions. That changed when he moved to Brixton for school and his coach at the time helped him gain exposure and develop his skills. His hard work paid off in 2023 when he claimed his first Johannesburg Championship title, marking the start of an impressive winning streak.
In 2023, Mthembu triumphed in the Johannesburg Championships in Newville, went on to win the Gauteng Championships in Pretoria, and clinched the South African title at the national tournament in Tzaneen Mall. In 2024, he successfully defended all three titles, cementing his status as the best in his division.
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Mthembu credits his father and coach Boetie Lourens for their support. “My dad has always been there for me, and coach Boetie is like a second father. He takes us to tournaments, makes sure we train hard and supports us through everything. Even when we’re feeling down, he lifts us and builds personal relationships with each boxer. I’m truly grateful.”
When it comes to stepping into the ring, Mthembu’s approach is calm and calculated. “Before every match, I size up my opponent. If I don’t know him, I just remind myself that we’re here to win and make the impossible possible. All I use is my brain in the ring.”
He draws inspiration from boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Terence Crawford, admiring their ability to outsmart opponents and use their power strategically. Mthembu applies those lessons to his own game, focusing on precision, footwork, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Looking ahead, Mthembu dreams of becoming a world champion and inspiring others to chase their goals. “I want to make my fans and family proud, and most importantly, I want to prove to myself that I can achieve greatness. When people see me, I want them to know that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.”
With a string of national titles under his belt and a mindset sharpened for competition, Mthembu is ready to take on the world. All eyes will be on him as he steps into the global spotlight, representing South Africa National Boxing team on the biggest stage of all.
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