TSHEPISO ‘ KURUPT’ MOKGADI
SUN: What sportcodes are you involved in? KURUPT: Boxing.
SUN: Which club do you play for? KURUPT: Bond Boxing promotions.
SUN: When did you start with your sport? KURUPT: I started at Naledi Senior secondary school back in 2017.
SUN:What attracted you to the sport? KURUPT: I was interested in acquiring self defence skills. I decided to take up boxing when I got to Naledi.
I was initially interested in Karate but a friend invited me to a boxing training session. I ended up training boxing regularly, after I lost to a much smaller opponent in sparring. I became interested in learning to box because of that loss.
SUN: How has the sport changed your life? KURUPT: Boxing helped me to develop as a young man and provided me with enough discipline to stay on a straight path. Now that I am a professional boxer, I have maintained positive thoughts and learnt to plan and dream big.
SUN: What are your major achievements in boxing?
KURUPT: Unfortunately, I did not achieve alot as an amateur.
I had a challenge competing in enough matches to qualify for the championships. However, the skill I have acquired as an amateur has helped me in my professional career. I hold a record of four wins, one draw and one loss in the professional ranks. I believe the future is bright and I will achieve a lot in the pro ranks.
SUN: What advice would you give to the youth who want to compete in your sport? KURUPT: Boxing is a tough sport and young boxers should never allow an opponent to steal their confidence no matter how tough it gets in the ring. Boxing is an individual sport and you need self belief to make a name for yourself. Never give up until you make your detractors give you attention.
SUN: What is the secretto you success? KURUPT: I embrace pain and use it as fuel for my boxing journey.