Local boxing champ nominated for awards

KwaThema – The ceremony will take place in Port Elizabeth next month.

The international bantamweight champion for 2017 could walk away with the Female Fighter of the Year and Female Prospect of the Year awards.

“I am super excited with the nomination and appreciative of the recognition.

“I fought and won all my fights in 2017.”

Simangele says she was always focused on keeping a good record.

“Some girls don’t fight all year, so when you have the opportunity to get into the ring, you make the best of it,” she explains.

She says the highlight of the year was beating Natali Bania from Ghana on a technical knockout.

“That was the first time I achieved a KO in my professional capacity.”

Simangele says last year she missed a title fight because she was told about it at short notice.

“I hope they give me that opportunity to fight for the SA title again this year.

“I realised that I must always be ready – throughout the year.”

The 24-year-old says she wishes there were more promoters to organise tournaments in Kwatsaduza.

“It would really help if we were competing all the time.”

Coach Themba Zulu, of Geo Maroon Boxing Club, says he is very proud of Simangele.

“She is our champ, not only in Ekurhuleni, but also in Gauteng.

“This goes to show that we are going somewhere and achieving greater things.”

He invites girls who have an interest in the sport to join the club.

“We are appealing to business people to help us fulfil this young girl’s dream.

“If we get the support we need, we can even get the world title.”

The South African Boxing Awards will take place on February 2.