Following a victorious debut boxing match, Nelson Mbele of Team Sweat Box is ready to step into the ring once more and face the second opponent of his professional middleweight career.
Mbele is set to go toe-to-toe against Thando Mali in bout four of Golden Glove’s Generation Next boxing event set to be held at Emperors Palace on June 19.
In March, Mbele faced Ndumiso Musawenkosi whom he beat with a knock-out in the second round and 10 seconds to spare.
“The win felt amazing, I had a big smile on my face after it was announced,” exclaimed Mbele.
“I didn’t plan for a knockout in the second round. I had planned to go three or four rounds,” explained Mbele.
“I immediately went to my trainer Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Spirito whom I had dedicated the fight to.”
Spirito, the owner of Team Sweat Box, welcomed Mbele with open arms five years ago after he was turned away from several gyms.
“Mimmo gave me a chance so I wanted to give him something.”
Training at Team Sweat Box since he was a learner at Edenglen High School, Mbele (21) has built a strong relationship with Spirito.
“My trainer and I have come a long way and we still have a long way to go.”
Mbele explained that leading up to the match in March, Spirito advised him to focus on his opponent soft spot, something the trainer noticed during the pre-fight medical checks.
“The victory was amazing after he won, I jumped up and celebrated with him. We have worked so hard together to achieve this,” said Spirito.
Mbele said following the victory he received many congratulatory messages from the Edenvale community and the Edenglen High School.
Looking at his June 19 bout, Mbele said feels prepared and feels confident.
“I haven’t let my victory or the knockout go to my head. At Team Sweat Box, we train to be prepared for anything and to go the distance.”
Although not much is known about Mali, as this fight is his debut fight, Mbele is undeterred to let that stop him from doing his best.
What Mbele plans to do in the first round is analyse his opponent and watch how he moves and then plan the rest of the match.
“When you go up against an opponent you haven’t faced before you always need to test the waters,” explained Spirito.
For more information about the fight night visit Emperors Palace or Golden Gloves website at https://youtu.be/Xxj9uc7HT-E
Middleweight Mbele hopes for a second win
“I didn’t plan for a knockout in the second round I had planned to go three or four rounds.”
