BOIPATONG. – World champion boxing guru, Bongani ‘Hardcore’ Buthelezi is set to return to boxing scenes.

Following his loss three years ago, the Boipatong-born boxing giant has begun training again and anticipates his debut fight in different fighting tournaments in and around South Africa.

The 38-year-old former four times world champ in different weights and a now popular tire business owner told Sedibeng Ster how his professional boxing life started and where he is at the moment.

“I started boxing back when I was young at Royal Boxing Club in Boipatong as an amateur and gradually moved up the ranks and joined other clubs such as Vaal Boxing Club in Vanderbijlpark. I escalated to professional boxing in 2006 and moved to Joburg as I trained with other clubs and famous coaches,” he said.

Sharing his last memories of the fight which saw him taking a break, Hardcore said “My last fight was three years ago when I fought for the International Boxing Organisation junior flyweight and lost due to weight loss. Since then, I have never climbed the ring and fought again although my fighting license was renewed. I have been running my tire business [Hardcore Tyres and Repairs]. I’m making my return and my fans can expect a lot of action coming from me,” he said.

Hardcore said he is looking forward to competing in different tournaments including those outside the country.
“There are a lot of fights happening not only in South Africa and I’m making a comeback and training in preparation for such tournaments.”

“I now know what’s expected of me and early preparation is what I am busy with. As soon as I hit the ring again, I expect to bring back more belts than I have now,” he said.

Hardcore’s profession saw him with different belts such as four world champions, Pan African Champion, South African National Champion under the mini flyweight division, and African Zone Champion.