A 25-year-old Mamelodi boxer has graduated to the professional ranks.
Khaya Gabuza of Mamelodi East Section 16 was promoted to the middleweight division on February 22 after a successful Boxing South Africa Licensing trial in eMalahleni.
Gabuza is one of the boxers from Mabetha Boxing Club in Mamelodi and has made significant strides in the boxing arena, particularly in the lightweight division.
He is a standout athlete who has won many gold medals since he was introduced to boxing by a close friend at an early age.
Gabuza said boxing was not his preferred sport, but a close primary school friend had introduced him to it and has not looked back since.
His dedication to the sport is evident through his rigorous training regime under the mentorship of legendary boxing coach and founder of Mabetha Boxing Club, Jan Mabetha.
In July 2023, Gabuza competed in the 86kg category and won a gold medal at the SA national youth and elite championships in Tzaneen, where he met other fighters from 38 African countries.
His ultimate ambition is to become a world middleweight champion.
The versatile Gabuza is also the winner of the Junior National Chess championship held in Durban in 2016.
He said he is mentally prepared for his first professional bout and is working tirelessly Mondays to Fridays with his team towards this goal.
Gabuza said he could not have made it without the guidance of his coach 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.”
Gabuza trains five times a week, Monday to Friday.
In the morning, it’s a 7–10km run, and in the afternoon he is in the club with his mentor, while on Fridays he spars with other boxers at CIT Hatfield.
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