Boxers stay positive amidst pandemic

Bigger Walker Boxing continues to groom young people for the world of professional boxing.

Andile ‘XXX’ Mnukwa (29) says this is his last chance to go pro, and he is giving it his best shot.

“I started with the club last November.

“I did boxing in primary school, but then I stopped.

“And there were less opportunities before I moved here,” he says.Andile hails from the Eastern Cape.

“My dream for next year is to go pro, because of my age.

“There is some pressure to do well because I am older than the other guys here,” he explains.

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Mapule ‘bad girl’ Motloung (15) says even though it has been a short while since she joined the club, she is already changing for the better.

“I have always been attracted to the sport.

“So when my brother joined this club I asked him to speak to the coach for me,” she says.

Mapule was inspired by Smangele Radebe, a professional female boxer from Kwa-Thema.

“This could turn into a career for me.

“I appreciate the discipline of the sport, we all respect each other.

“My short-term goal is to get into the ring and have a few fights,” she says.

Johanes ‘Mighty Man’ Modupe (23) found direction in the sport after he finished matric and was not sure what to do with his life.

“I joined the club in 2016.

“In the beginning I just wanted to keep fit but I ended up really enjoying the sport.

“It has been a fun and educational experience so far.

“I am able to focus and stay on my toes.

“And it helps me to stay off the streets.

“I thank coach so much for always instilling discipline in us.

“He challenges us in all spheres of our lives, not just boxing,” he says.

Sibusiso ‘Two Shot’ Radebe (16) started boxing because he wanted to get off the streets.

“I have learned to be respectful of others and I always have energy because we work out.

“I want to continue and do everything coach tells us until I am successful,” he explains.

Tumelo ‘Shambok’ Mkhabela (17) has been with the club for two years.

“I like boxing, even when I watch it on TV.

“I have learned to only fight when I am in the ring.

“And now I don’t have time to walk the streets aimlessly,” he says.

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Coach and founder Charles ‘Bigger Walker’ Mtshali says the effects of the lockdown regulations have set them back.

“The championships and the Olympics being cancelled means the athletes who were ready to compete this year will no longer get their shot,” he says.

He states they will continue to work towards the next opportunity to compete.

“I would like parents to encourage their children to wear masks.

“All our training adheres to social distancing regulations and there is no contact,” he says.

Charles is committed to grooming the next pro female boxer to come out of KwaTsaDuza.

“My girls really want to do their best.

“They are all so committed, which I appreciate,” he adds.

The club trains from Monday to Thursday, between 4pm and 6pm in Ext 19, Tsakani.