Church inspires Baloyi’s return to ring after tragedy
Boxer faces stiff test in Magagane on Sunday
Willis Baloyi says he has overcome the trauma he suffered after the untimely death of his opponent Herbert Nkabiti two months ago.
Nkabiti died two days after their boxing match that Baloyi won by a sixth-round stoppage in Brakpan on April 28.
Baloyi had threatened to quit the sport after the incident but the boxer from Malamulele in Limpopo has credited his church – Enlightened Christian Gathering Church of popular Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Pretoria – for giving him counselling.
The boxer – who is trained by Keith Rass in Eldorado Park – returns to action on Sunday against Jeff “911” Magagane.
Their non-title six-rounder will form part of Supreme Boxing Promotions’ fourth edition of Young Gladiators development series.
Promoter Sandille Xaka said his seven-bout card will take place at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre in Randburg.
“I am ready mentally and physically to knock my brother from another mother. Boxing is my job. Jeff is my friend but the friendship will be suspended until the fight is over,” said Baloyi, who is based in Freedom Park, south of Johannesburg.
Rass said he knows how to beat Magagane, who is also based in Freedom Park.
The trainer was in the corner of Michael Mokoena who was defeated by Magagane last year.
“But it is up to [ Baloyi] himself,” said Rass.
Magagane, from Venda, is trained in Linden by Alan Toweel Junior.
“Willis is a strong journeyman but Jeff will beat him,” said Toweel, who also warned that the ABU featherweight championship between his other charge Rofhiwa Maemu and Prince Ndlovu will be war.
Xaka urged fans to come in big numbers.
Action will begin at 2pm.