Gingqi has the power to be a knockout
He has been targeted to be part of the SA team for the 2020 Olympic Games
Of all the local budding boxing stars making waves in the region, Asanda Gingqi is probably the most unassuming one.
The 26-year-old is so laid back that it is hard to imagine him inflicting punishment on someone.
But those who have felt his venom in the amateur ranks know that Gingqi should be avoided at all costs.
“I have cleaned out the amateur ranks so now it is time for me to do the same in the professional set up,” he said in his low voice.
Indeed Gingqi has won almost all there is to win in the unpaid ranks, claiming gold medals in almost every championship he has ever participated in be it national or international.
Not only does he sweep everything before him he also stands out from the rest having been voted as the best boxer in almost every championship.
He did it in the Zone Four championships in Maputo, Mozambique when he walked away with the gold medal and also the boxer of the tournament award.
His achievements were impressive enough that he was already targeted as part of the SA Boxing team to compete at the 2020 Olympics.
The honour was tempting for Gingqi but after stringent measures were put in place for SA boxers to qualify for Olympics he felt it was not worth it.
“These days it is tougher to qualify for the Olympics because qualification via the continent is no longer recognised.
“And my family is struggling to make ends meet so I had to transition to the professional setup.”
Gingqi stripped the amateur vest to register two wins all by stoppages in the featherweight division.
The latest to feel his power was Anele Ntsondo who was destroyed in two rounds last month.
Gingqi, who has a big frame for a featherweight, is destined for stardom if his ruthless demolition of Ntsondo is the yardstick.
Speaking with a low voice, carefully choosing his words, Gingqi is almost cut from the same cloth as that of reigning IBO mini-flyweight champion Simpiwe Konkco in mannerisms.
They both speak as if they are asking for permission to marry your daughter.
Gingqi knows that he may have to contend with fighting under his peers’ shadows if he keeps to himself.
“But that is who I am. I cannot change myself into someone I am not. For instance I do not even have a ring name and that does not bother me.”
The featherweight division is open now that Duncan Village golden boy Azinga Fuzile has moved to junior-lightweight.
While Khanyile Bhulana has already taken over the reins of the national title after beating Tello Dithebe in the same show when Gingqi manhandled Ntsondo, he did not stamp his
I will take every fight as it comes but I want to move up as quickly as possible
authority to indicate that there was a new sheriff in town.
Gingqi is not in the business of calling out anyone although those who watched his two bouts are convinced that he can take Bhulana as early as now.
The boxer is highly technical while also blessed with heavy hands which is a deadly combination in the game.
While Fuzile won the national title in his fifth professional fight, Gingqi can do so in even fewer bouts.
But for now the boxer wants to fight for his family.
“I will take every fight as it comes but I want to move up as quickly as possible,” he says.