SEBOKENG.- It was a great sporting weekend for Sedibeng when the young boxer Lerato Mofokeng was crowned boxing champion.

This Tshepong Ironside Boxing Club fighter achieved this by defeating Mbulelo Khota in the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on October 29.  Mofokeng won this three-round bout on points.

It was a historic win for Mofokeng, who is now ranked No. 1 in the Gauteng 52kg Youth division. He showed class by beating Khota, one of the toughest opponents in the ring.

He was outstanding and stunned his opponent, however, it was not an easy fight.

Emperor’s Palace was on its feet as both boxers entertained the audience.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Jafar Franks, one of the Tshepong Ironside Boxing Club coaches, said this is great news not only for the Tshepong community but for Sedibeng.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that Mofokeng’s victory is not a fluke; it is the result of hard work and dedication that Mofokeng always shows during training.

“As Tshepong Boxing Club, we are proud of what Lerato has achieved, and being ranked No. 1 among Gauteng’s youth is a remarkable achievement for this young boxer. This achievement will go a long way and inspire other boxers that anything is possible in life. Lerato demonstrated that background does not matter as long as you want something badly,” said Franks.

The Golden Gloves Foundation hosts a monthly initiative, Shaya Thursday, on the last Thursday of every month.  It is an amateur boxing programme consisting of six amateur bouts.