Local boxers hold their heads high at Arnold Classic Africa
“This event is a symphony of movement, skills strength and talent, where the best of the best can can be admired without estranging amateurs and outright beginners”
The Arnold Classic Africa is an annual sporting event that celebrates the benefits of physical and mental activity. This year, the three-day event was held at the Sandton Convention Centre over the weekend where Arnold Schwarzenegger was the guest of honour. The event was sponsored by Classic organising teams around the world and locally the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the Gauteng provincial government and the City of Johannesburg.
In addition, a youth sports festival in Alexandra showcased a number of different sporting codes like baseball, basketball, darts, football, group arerobics, hockey, karate, netball, piloxing, rugby, tennis, volleyball and Zumba. “This event is a symphony of movement, skills strength and talent, where the best of the best can can be admired without estranging amateurs and outright beginners,” said MEC for Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation – Faith Mazibuko who was amongst the dignitaries at the event.
Pro boxers from Eldorado Park numbered in the ranks of sporting professionals who were at the event to showcase their talents. On Friday night, pro boxers Steve Dewu (24) and Melissa Miller (30) slugged it out in two separate boxing matches, with Miller winning the female champions challenge. Dewu lost his match, but remains motivated and believes that he will become better and stronger with time. “ Even though I did not win, I am proud of what I did tonight. I only had a month to prepare for this, but I trained really hard and gave it my all,” said Dewu. He added that he has an upcoming match in early August and believes that he is the boxer to look out for.
This festival showed that participation in sport is important for a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Wayne Price, a partner and promoter for the event said that he is proud to be associated with each and every competitor who participated in the event. “ So many came from far, with their coaches, families and supporters. We appreciate the support of all our sponsors and exibitors and the way they add value to their products and services,” he said.
WATCH: Video of Steve Dewu in the ring
