Keeping Score
Justice’s gambling greed leads to tragedy at the ASA gym.
Wherever a bet is being placed, gym owner Justice (Saint Seseli) is sure to follow. His latest money-making scheme is a boxing match between his gym champ Tongai “The Body” (Kagiso Rathebe) and Dhlamini “The Crocodile” (Thabiso Nondunyelwa), the champ from Justice’s rival Smoke (Christopher Kubheka). If Tongai wins, Justice will have enough money to keep his ASA gym running. But it turns out that cash isn’t Justice’s only crisis!
FINISH HIM!
The gym is buzzing on Monday 16 October as the ASA athletes and trainers pack the stands for the fight. “We’re hyping this up to be as big for the ASA gym as Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor were for international boxing [in August],” explains Kagiso. And the in-ring action matches the hype, but it’s not looking good for Tongai who’s immediately on the back foot after a heavy blow from The Crocodile. Between rounds, cornerman Justice reminds his fighter that he needs to win because Justice has a lot on the line. The Crocodile insults Tongai midround and the red mist sets in. Tongai delivers uppercut after uppercut, jab and hook one after the other. Even a round 6 knockdown by The Crocodile isn’t enough to stop an enraged Tongai and he continues his bloody beatdown as the spectators watch on. It wasn’t a sure bet but Justice can feel his luck changing and he can’t hide his excitement ringside.
DEATH ON THE DOOR STEP
The bout ends on Tuesday 17 October but Tongai and Justice’s victory isn’t to be enjoyed. The Crocodile slips into a coma and dies later that same day. ASA gym co-owner Mmamosa (Sonia Mbele) wants answers from Justice and Tongai about who’s taking responsibility for The Crocodile’s death – and she isn’t the only one. The media brand the ASA as brutal and corrupt killers and their investor board discuss shutting the gym down. While Mmamosa and Justice ride out the publicity storm and keep the gym running, Tongai is left in shambles. “He is devastated and angry about the events that took place and he reaches out to The Crocodile’s wife Ellie (Mbali Ngwenya) to find peace of mind,” teases Kagiso…