Manager hopes for another fruitful boxing year in his province
- Sports Reporter
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Three world champions produced in Gauteng last year
By: Sports Writer
The year 2024 was a productive one for Gauteng, which produced three world champions, says Boxing SA provincial manager Lehlohonolo Ramagole.
It began with Jackson “M3" Chauke winning the IBO flyweight belt at the York Hall in London where he beat England-based Quaise Khademi from Kabul in Afghanistan on points over 12 rounds in January.
Chauke was the reigning SA champion going into the world championship.
On September 14, SA junior flyweight title holder Mpumelelo “The Boss” Tshabalala captured the IBO belt after defeating Junior Zarate of Argentina on points in Xaba Promotions tournament at VodaWorld Dome in Midrand.
Tshabalala, like Chauke, held the national belt prior to facing Zarate. Tshabalala from Katlehong is trained at JD Malinga Boxing Gym by the Malinga brothers – Peter and Thami.
He described Kevin “Two Guns” Lerena's enthronement in October by Mexican WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman as historic.
Left-handed Lerena is the first African to achieve that feat since the Bridger weight division between cruiserweight and heavyweight classes was created.
Actually he was mandatory challenger to champion Lawrence Okolie. But the Englishman vacated the belt and Sulaiman then upgraded Lerena's status from being the division's silver champion to a fully fledged belt holder.
Sulaiman said the name was inspired by six-year-old Bridger Walker who was mauled by a dog while trying to protect his six-year-old sister. Lerena will defend it in Ukraine in February.
“It was indeed a great year and action was galore,” said Ramagole. “I am not sure about the numbers of tournaments we hosted.”
“I think about 80% of boxers based in Gauteng got opportunities, mainly from Golden Gloves , Boxing 5 and Warriors Ascent Promotions,” said Ramagole.
NEW PROMOTERS
“We had new promoters Akira Solomons and Thanya Marageni also staging tournaments.”
Ramagole said in total, Gauteng has 21 Boxing SA registered promoters.
Gauteng's last tournament of the year took place at Emperors Palace where two champions were crowned.
Keanu Koopman won the vacant SA welterweight belt by a ninth-round stoppage of Bonke Duku. Siyakholwa Kuse from Mdantsane won the WBC silver mini flyweight belt after defeating Zimbabwean Beaven Sibanda on points.
Dubbed “Rivalry Reloaded”, the international tournament, staged by Golden Gloves, was attended by former two-times undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis. Ramogole said he hopes the year 2025 will be much better than last year.
Additional Reporting By: SowetanLIVE
MEANWHILE
Ramogole also announced in his Facebook page, the new sparring dates for amateur boxers aspiring to turn professional in the current financial year of 2025 / 2026 “We Are Ready to Welcome New Potential Champions to the Paid Ranks” He said. Sparring is open to South African citizens aged 18 years and older but younger than 35 years. All boxers must arrive on time (09:00) and bring the required documents.
Section 3 of the boxing Regulations states: Boxer Registration Requirements
To be registered as a professional boxer, an applicant must:
Be 18 years or older but under 35 for first time Registration.
Undergo a medical examination at their own expense by a registered medical practitioner and submit the results to Boxing South Africa (Boxing SA).
The medical examination must include tests for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Hepatitis B.
Female boxers must also undergo a breast and pelvic examination as part of the medical requirements.
Required Documents
All participating boxers must provide the following:
Certified Copy of ID – Required for all SA participants.
Medical Form (Annexure F) – This form must be stamped by a registered medical practitioner. It is available for download on our website (www.boxingsa.co.za) or can be obtained through your provincial manager.
Amateur Boxing Book (if applicable) – Boxers with Gold Status under SANABO grading must present their amateur boxing book to be exempted from sparring.
Required Equipment
All boxers must bring their own boxing gear, which includes:
Boxing gloves (appropriate for weight division):
Mini Flyweight to Junior Welterweight – 14oz gloves
Welterweight to Heavyweight – 16oz gloves
Hand wraps
Mouth guard
Guidelines for Non-South African Citizens
Non-South African citizens who wish to turn professional in South Africa must hold one of the following valid permits/documents, which legally allow them to work in the country:
Permanent Resident Permit
Section 24 Asylum Seeker Permit
Green Refugee ID Document
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