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MBABANE – They got the much-needed exposure.

Eswatini Boxing Association (EBA) Acting Secretary General and Coach Nathi Dlamini acknowledged the exposure received by eight boxers who competed in the South Africa Best of the Best Fight Night on Saturday. The travelling squad included two Correctional Service Boxing Club cadets in Nkosephayo Mgabhi and Robert Bhila, who both scooped gold medals in their divisions. Others in the tournament were senior boxers Chawe Gamedze, Mpilo Dlamini, Lucia Groaning (all from Correctional) Mpilo Dlamini, Khaya Shoingwe (Ingwe Boxing Club), Titans Club’s Mitto Larches and Zebra Force boxer Veliswa Magaya.

Khaya won gold in the elite division, Mitto lost on RSC decision. In shortm the referee stopped the contest to protect the boxer from incurring further harm. Chawe lost on split decision in a revenge fight against a boxer that he defeated in a previous contest. The competition featured boxing champions from three South Africa’s provinces; Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga.

Exposure

“Our boxers got the exposure that they need for growth and development. They fought impressively considering that they competed against national champions and that will help them boost their confidence in the ring. We are planning to host a local tournament later this month before the main and last event of the year,”said the secretary general.

Ecstatic after winning gold, Khaya said: “What I can say is that I am proud of myself. As a Ingwe boxer, I’m really happy about the winning of this game. After I last competed on September, I went outside the country to Limpopo, Tzaneen and I won. As the winner, the score was announced as 2 -0. I thank my coach Douglas Simelane for the coaching and training. I wish I could do more than this next time. I promise my fans that I’m going to continue improving more. Lastly, in everything, put God first because without hard work and prayer I wouldn’t make it.”

IBA President Webster Lukhele Dlamin further said competing against other African countries was good practice for the local boxers ahead of the Region 5 Youth Games penned for December 2-11, 2022.