Young boxers battle on the plaza

Lonwabo Marele|Published

Throwing a punch, Bukho Butshingi from Grassroots Boxing squared off against Joki Arendse from Kraaifontein Boxing Club. Bukho won on a split decision. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

More than 40 young boxers took part in the Drama on the Plaza open boxing tournament, at the Philippi Plaza, on Saturday.

Produced by Future Champs, the tournament was the NPO’s last boxing instalment for the year.

Founder Jeremy Bean said they have been working in under-resourced areas like Philippi, using boxing as a tool for engagement and empowerment.

“Our goal is to create an environment where young individuals can not only discover their potential in the ring but also develop crucial life skills that will serve them well beyond it,” says Bean.

Boxers from as young as six years old came from as far as Philippi, Khayelitsha, Delft, Rondebosch and Kraaifontein to participate.

Abdul Bassa from Hellopaisa with Future Champs prospect as well as trainer, Emihle Bobani and Hassan Kassim. Emihle won a majority decision. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
Grassroots Boxing Club’s Ayola Hotele won via TKO during his fight against Tarzan Hanekom from Kraaifontein. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
Slipping past a jab, Andinaye Jim, from Haleluya Boxing Club in Khayelitsha, won against his fellow boxer, Sibabalwe Kwaza, left, from Kraaifontein Boxing Club. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
Future Champs’ Mikhulu Donisi throws a solid jab that rocks Curtis Malitasi from Zantsi Boxing Gym in Delft, during their bout at the Philippi Plaza on Saturday morning. Curtis won on points. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
On the left, Future Champs’ Fraser Sign was in electric form against a well groomed opponent, Emery Sengiyumva from Zantsi United Boxing Club. Picture: Lonwabo Marele