Ricardo the next best thing
A youngster from Burgershoop is someone to watch in the boxing ring after bagging gold at the South African National Boxing Organisation Championship.
Ricardo du Plessis from Burgershoop is a rising boxing star and recently took the gold medal in the Youth and Elite division at the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) Championship in Durban.
Ricardo (23), who trains in Muldersdrift, weighs 92kg and said the process of going to the SANABO Championship was long. He first started as an amateur eventually working his way to the provincial level. He added that he had to place first at a provincial level to get his shot at the SANABO Championship.
“I train six days a week – conditioning is crucial. My coach, Donavin Dullisear, and I also run about 15km almost daily. Sparring was almost just as important for my achievement at the champs. I’ve been boxing since I was 16 to get my life back together considering many school fights and suspensions. Thus, boxing gave me a more stable lifestyle,” he said.
He added that before his bout at the championship, he was extremely nervous but the feeling of fear disappeared once he got inside the ring.
“At that moment it was only me and my opponent,” he said.
Donavin added Ricardo is extremely determined, a hard worker and never backs down.
“I had a tough opponent but I have a good attack and defence strategy which pulled me through. After I won, it felt unreal but I am truly blessed. All the glory to God for my victory. It has always been my dream to compete at the national level in boxing,” Ricardo said proudly.
“I also want to thank my coach and everything he has done for me as well as my sponsors for making it possible for me to go to the championship,” Ricardo concluded.
His next goal is to go professional.
