Local boxer gears up for new year
Blairgowrie based boxer Patrick ‘The Panther’ Mukala is ready for 2025, planning on having more international bouts on his way to a WBC title match.
After tasting an international fight, Blairgowrie boxer Patrick ‘The Panther’ Mukala is planning to land more overseas bouts.
The Panther ended 2024 with two impressive wins. He fought American sensation Ronald Ellis at Booysens Boxing Camp, where he won the fight in 10 rounds, taking a unanimous decision on points. On December 6th he fought in Dubai for the International Boxing Association (IBA) African title, against Namibian Polinos Ndjolonimus. He clinched the title with a fifth-round knockout (KO) taking his fight record to 19 wins and two losses, including 16 KOs.
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Currently ranking in the top 30 in the world, Mukala is gunning for a World Boxing Council (WBC) title.
“My manager is busy working to get us big fights with top 10 or 20 ranking fighters in the world. That will get us closer to our WBC title goal.”
Also read: Young, female, Randburg boxer wins first fight with a KO
The Panther has already begun training and preparations for 2025. He explained that while people were resting during holidays, he made sure to stay active and to keep fit.
“We have already resumed proper training for the new year, and it’s going very well so far. We are ready to get back in the ring.”
Sharing his thoughts on South African boxing, he explained that it needs more support and sponsors to improve and get back to the top where it was before.
“If there can be more support, I am pretty sure boxing will bounce back to the top. However, it is slowly moving in the right direction, with the support of the Minister of Sport. Promotors also play their part by matching exciting fights on the cards.”
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