Knysna boxers off to nationals

KNYSNA BOXING NEWS - Two local boxers are billed to fight at the national championships later this year after they emerged with gold medals at the Western Cape Provincial Boxing Championships last month.

Anathi Mbhalo and Anganathi Maresi, both 17-year-old learners at Knysna's Percy Mdala High School, are affiliated with Dam-se-Bos-based outfit, Masiphakame Boxing Club.

They were the club's only representatives in the Eden District team at the provincial championships, which were held at the Ottery Vibrant Studios in Cape Town from 28 to 30 May. Mbhalo was due to fight in the youth middleweight division, but was handed a walkover victory and received a gold medal.

Maresi was scheduled to fight in the youth bantam weight division, but was also handed a walkover win and received a gold medal. Even though they did not get the action they were looking for, Masiphakame coach Lwanda Madikane is proud of his boxers.

"We have worked very hard to get here. Our boxers did not get the chance to show what they are made of, but we are very very happy to be able to qualify for nationals," he said.

Anganathi Maresi spars in training.

Mbhalo and Maresi are two of five Eden boxers who have qualified to represent Western Cape at the national championships to be held later this year.

Two boxers of Plettenberg Bay's Bitou Boxing Academy also received medals at the provincial championships, but neither was able to secure gold. Luthando Blom received a silver medal while Athenkosi Keli was awarded a bronze medal.

Anathi Mbalo in training.