Local boxer in his first cruiserweight fight
He will be participating in the 80 to 86 kg cruiserweight division, where he will meet other fighters from 38 countries in Africa.
A Mamelodi boxer is set to take part in his first cruiserweight division at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa, from April 15 to 21.
Khayalethu Gabuza (23) of Mamelodi East, Section 16, won a gold medal at the SA national youth and elite championships and another gold at the African Boxing Championship Zone 4 tournament in Mozambique, Maputo, which landed him a spot in the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup.
Gabuza will participate in the 80 to 86kg cruiserweight division, where he will meet other fighters from 38 countries in Africa.
Gabuza of the Mabetha boxing club in Mamelodi said he is mentally prepared and working tirelessly Mondays to Fridays with his team.
He said dedication and working hard for extra hours in the gym paid off with a gold medal, and he wants to win a gold medal at the ICC.
He said he could not make it without the guidance of his coach, Jan Mathola, founder of Mabetha club, and local businessman, Gugulethu Kacjene.
“My coach always encouraged me to focus on my goal and never give up whatever I do,” said Gabuza.
“He taught me to be disciplined and stay positive at all times.”
He further said he wants to rise through the ranks, but his ultimate goal is to become world middleweight champion.
Gabuza has so far won several medals, including two gold medals in the African Boxing Championship Zone 4 tournament and a gold medal at the SA national youth and elite championships, where he represented Team SA.
“Boxing was not my sport. A close friend from primary school introduced me to boxing, and I have not looked back since,” said Gabuza.
Gabuza said he also enjoyed chess and was the winner of the 2016 junior national chess championship in Durban.
He trains five times a week, from Monday to Friday. In the morning, it’s a 7 to 10km run, and in the afternoon he is at Mabetha boxing club with his mentor while on Fridays he spars with other boxers at CIT Hatfield boxing.
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