Boxers in Ekurhuleni compete for top rankings
Alberton Boxing Club’s Manelisa Mbatha and JP Du Plooy made the club proud after reigning supreme during this past weekend’s tournament bouts.
Different clubs from across the Ekurhuleni district took to the ring to compete during tournament bouts on June 15 at Alberton Boxing Club.
Contestants from at least nine boxing clubs battled it out in the ring ahead of provincial championships.
The tournament saw boxers in different categories compete in 11 bouts, and champs were presented with medals and trophies. Boxers as far as Kempton Park, Brakpan and Daveyton were present on the day. Eden Park Boxing Club’s Anathi Khonzani and Lithemba Khuthu also took to the ring.
Alberton Boxing Club’s Manelisa Mbatha and JP Du Plooy outshined and made their club proud after reigning supreme in their respective divisions.
During the tournament, JP Du Plooy went the distance with Kempton Park’s Odwa Zimase in a three-round bout, with JP coming out victorious by point’s decision.
He was followed by Manelisa Mbatha, who showed off his matchless skills and also won by points decision against his counterpart, Tshepo Zozo.
Mbatha said: “I had an amazing time in the ring. It was a very technical fight which needed much focus. Speed and power were the main focus, which resulted in my win.”
Coach Pieter Strydom commended all boxers and clubs that took part in the tournament ahead of Ekurhuleni championships.
“We are proud to have hosted this tournament. And we would like to congratulate all our boxers who made it this far and those who will be part of the Ekurhuleni team to compete in Gauteng champs. Our boxers have showed that they are passionate about the sport and are willing to go the extra mile,” he said.
He also thanked coaches from the club who equally showed commitment in ensuring the success of the tournament.
The club announced that JP Du Plooy, Karien Els and Kiara Kilfoil were chosen to be part of the Ekurhuleni team to participate in Gauteng championships. Coach Gert de Klerk was also selected to be part of the Ekurhuleni team.
Gauteng championships will be held next month.
Strydom invited all new members who are willing to join the sport. They train from Mondays to Thursdays from 17:00 to 18:30 at the corner of Second and Helston Streets in Florentia.
For more information, contact coach Gert de Klerk on 073 578 8594 or and coach Pieter
Strydom on 078 105 5475.
