The African Boxing Union and South African female flyweight champion Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe was delighted after bagging the female boxer of the Year award at the South African Boxing Awards.
With at least 13 wins, the Johannesburg South champ won the female prospect of the year award in 2017 and 2018 and added a third award to her name.
The local SA flyweight recently made headlines when she dominated in the ring, beating WBC Asia champ Phannaluk Kongsang in an eight-round bout in Ormonde on May 6.
“I’m happy and proud of how far I’ve come since I started my boxing career. This is my third award. Previously, I won the female prospect of the year award in 2017 and 2018, and now I’ve won the female boxer of the year. It really does show much improvement in my career,” Hadebe explained.
She said she believed her award was based on her achievements as a boxer, her improvement, and her sportsmanship.
“I also think it was based on how one carries themselves as a sportsperson. I might say it’s all that and more, but I think Boxing South Africa knows more about that than I do,” she said.
Hadebe, a survivor of abuse, continues to advocate against the abuse of women and children.
She is preparing for her bout next month against Mexican boxer Melisa Leona Meraz Rodriguez for the WBC International flyweight title.
“I’m preparing hard for this fight. It is a one-time opportunity I’m getting, so this title is definitely not going to Mexico. It’s staying at home, and we’ll fight in Joburg on August 12. I’m excited about this fight, and this award is one of my motivations for this upcoming fight,” she explained.
Hadebe thanked her sponsors, supporters, and team for their support.
“I can’t do this without my sponsors. I’m preparing for this upcoming fight with such a good mindset because of my sponsors, RGM Cranes, Drivetrain, Liamed, Brawl Gear and the Midvaal Municipality,” she said.
Hadebe’s manager, Colleen McAusland of McAusland Boxing Management, congratulated ‘Smash’ on her achievement ahead of her big fight.
