‘I eat, sleep, live and dream boxing’
Phumelele wants to be the best boxer in the world
The 20-year-old Phumelele Cele stepped into the world of boxing four years ago, and has never looked back.
“A friend of mine wanted me to join him at the karate club, but, when I saw there was boxing, I was immediately drawn to it, as I have always dreamed of becoming a boxing champion,” said Phumi (as he is known).
He joined the Vikings Boxing Academy, where his love and passion for the sport shone like a bright light, and quickly became the boxer his coach, Phillip du Randt, was sure he could be.
“Phumi started training with us in 2014, and the next year he won a gold medal at the Gauteng Championships, resulting in him being selected for the South African Youth team. He participated in the SA Youth Championships, and won a silver medal. During 2016, he competed in various boxing tournaments with great success, and won another silver medal at the Gauteng Championships. Last year, he won the majority of his fights during tournaments, and he managed to win a gold medal at the Gauteng Championships as well as a bronze medal at the SA Elite Championships, resulting in him being included in the Open Boxing League (OBL), where he competed against some of the best boxers from across South Africa. He won all his fights and became the number one ranked boxer,” Phillip said proudly.
This year, Phumi will once again be part of the OBL, and is already training hard to compete at both the Gauteng and the SA Championships.
“He is a great example and role model to young and old at the club and we believe that this year will once again be an excellent year for him. We also want to wish him all the best, as he is tackling the great challenge of completing Grade 12 as well,” said Phillip.
Phumi echoed his coach’s sentiments and said that he will be working very hard, as his biggest dream is to represent South Africa and to become the next middleweight champion. “I eat, sleep and live for boxing, and even when I am sleeping, I am dreaming of boxing. I believe that I have the discipline and focus to become the best, as I never play when I am training, and always keep going. I will never stop until I am the best.”
Phillip added that he would like to invite individuals as well any companies who would like to help Phumi, to contact him and said, “If there is an individual, or a company, that could perhaps sponsor Phumi to help him reach the heights we all know he can reach, please contact me on 081 212 9143.”
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