Some people perceive boxing as a dangerous sport, but in reality, it is quite the opposite.
“Boxing is highly regulated and is controlled,” said chairperson of Hugenote Amateur Boxing Club, Fred van Tonder.
The club in Brixton was founded by Naas Botes in 1961 and has produced regional, provincial and national champions, as well as Springbok boxers.
“There are about 35 members [who] start from as young as seven years old. However, you will only be allowed to fight in the tournaments from the age of nine.
“There are two other coaches, Boetie Lourens who is head coach; and coach Zirk Smith. In amateur boxing, the coaches do not get paid for their work.” According to Van Tonder, the coaches do it for free because this is another way of keeping children off the street. When there are tournaments, the children have to pay for transport and food. Nonetheless, these obstacles do not prevent them from boxing.
Donavan de Beer (14) joined the club almost two years ago. He said he was inspired by his grandfather to start boxing.
Currently, De beer is a registered boxer who has a ‘boxing book’, a document which allows a person to fight at tournaments. Each boxer should have this book to show that they have been registered. The book consists of an ID photograph, a medical certificate, and copy of their birth certificate. All the boxer’s fights are recorded in the same book.
De beer has won 12 fights out of 16. “My dream is to become a world champion boxer,” he quipped.
Shaun Banda, a 22-year-old boxer at the club said, “Boxing keeps me away from bad things and helps me to be in good shape.”
According to Van Tonder, boxing helps with confidence, exercise and strength. He said boxers are not allowed to fight on the street or they will be suspended.
He also recommended boxing for children who do not perform well in school or who battle with identity, as boxing helps one focus, relax and develop confidence.
