New generation of female pugilists set to change the face of boxing
BOXING may be perceived as a sport dominated by men, but women have been active in the boxing ring since 1720.
Several female boxers have made names for themselves, like American boxer and daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali, since boxing became popular in London. Renowned South African female boxers include Sandra Leigh Almeida who was the first to turn professional, South African middleweight champion Julie Shabalala and world champion Noni Tenge.
Chris Hani Amateur Boxing Organisation (CHABO) secretary Mabhuti Mapeyi said women boxers were generally disciplined and dedicated.
The Queenstown Boys’ Boxing Club (QBBC) currently caters for seven female boxers with an open invitation for others to join.
Preparations are underway for the youth trials in August.
Professional boxer, who recently joined QBBC, Dumisani Ganyaza, helps the women train.
“I have been a boxer since 1987 and in 1993 I turned professional. In 2005 I decided to give back to the community which supported me during my time as a boxer by training these young women. They encourage me to come to the gym and they learn quickly.”
Over the next few weeks The Rep journalist Tembile Sgqolana will spend time with local women boxers, finding out what makes them passionate about the sport.