The proudly South African, and even more proud Indian boxer, Shaheel Sewpersad (25), is the only Indian representing South Africa in the professional heavyweight boxing category – and he proudly hails from the city of coal.
Shaheel was born in Newcastle and moved to eMalahleni when he was 10 years old.
He was introduced to boxing at the age of 19 by his father, Vedesh Sewpersad, who himself is a boxing, self-defence, and Mauy Thai guru.
It is his father’s inspiration and support for the sport that ignited Shaheel’s passion for his craft and allowed it to take flight.
I was then introduced to Oupa Lubisi, a former SA boxing champion and current provincial boxing manager for Mpumalanga, Abraham Lubisi, who is also a former SA boxing champion and boxing promoter, as well as Anel Lubisi, who is the current provincial boxing champion.
They took me under their wings and helped me become the boxer I am today,” said Shaheel.
Under the professional guidance and training of the Lubisi Boxing Club, Shaheel fought 22 amateur fights, of which he won 20 and lost two, allowing him to turn professional in 2023.
He is now hungry for more titles and to further his illustrious boxing career.
“I embrace and cherish boxing and I want to contribute to the sport of boxing in SA by adding some spark and lightening up the SA heavyweight division with my participation because I feel the SA heavyweight division has lost some of the spark and stimulant that it once had.”
“I would like to thank my dad, the rest of my family, Oupa , Abram, and Anel, all of whom helped me through the journey that led me to where I am now.
My message to other boxers out there who want to pursue the boxing profession is that, as long as you have two hands and a good heartbeat, you always stand a chance in the ring.”
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