Young Randgate boxers hope to inspire
Two of Randgate Boxing Club's up-and-coming talents plead with the community to help sponsor a bus to and from tournaments.
Randgate Boxing Club (RABC) has two talented and inspiring young boxers in their corner.
The Randfontein Herald was recently invited to interview 14-year-old Barney Haynes and 22-year-old Justin Kloupas during training.
Barney, who described his passion for boxing as an intense adrenaline rush, used to participate in karate classes when he was younger. It was when his father took him to RABC that sparked his curiosity in the sport. Barney ultimately joined the club in July and describes the ring in Randgate as his other home.
“I quickly realised that this is a place where not only talented boxers train but where family comes together,” he stated.
Barney enjoys the challenge of facing opponents in the ring and added that his favourite part is seeing how proud his onlookers are after he wins a bout.
He dreams of one day representing South Africa in boxing and stated that he wants a bus for the boxing team so that they can travel to tournaments. According to Barney, the club currently has no bus to transport boxers to tournaments.
Justin on the other hand started his sporting career playing soccer and thereafter experimented in rugby. Eventually, Justin started boxing and immediately loved the sport.
“It is my first love,” he said.
One of his many role models who inspires him to this day is Mexican professional boxer Canelo Alvarez.
Justin’s biggest motivation is to now inspire other youth.
“The children are always looking for someone to be inspired by. That is why it is important for me to always try my best. I want them to know that it is possible,” Justin said.
One of Justin’s biggest goals this year is to have a bus for the members to travel to a tournament. Justin said that the club consists of a lot of members who do not always have reliable transport.
