Local boxer ‘Ben 10’ to represent SA in England
Phiwokuhle belongs to the local 'Sibongile Boxing Family' and recently competed in the African Boxing Confederation Zone 4 Elite Championships in Mozambique.
Local female boxer Phiwokuhle Mnguni (21), commonly known as ‘Ben 10’, will be part of the South African team in the upcoming Birmingham Commonwealth Games from July 28 to August 8 in England. Mnguni fights in the 57kg division.
She, along with two male boxers, qualified to represent South Africa at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Mnguni belongs to the local ‘Sibongile Boxing Family’ and recently competed in the African Boxing Confederation Zone 4 Elite Championships in Mozambique. She returned with a gold medal.
Mnguni started boxing at a young age and believes that her love and passion for this sport ultimately led her to be part of the SA team.
“As a young girl, I used to do karate, but one day I went to practice and no one was there, so I decided to try out boxing instead and I really enjoyed myself. I haven’t looked back since,” she said enthusiastically.
According to Mnguni, she knew after she joined boxing that this sport was going to take her far; she envisioned herself boxing at the Olympics. “I am very goal-orientated and I planned my boxing career way before it took shape.
“Fortunately, things are going just the way I planned,” explained Ben 10.
She added that she would one day like to fight the mighty Floyd Mayweather, although she knows this is a far-fetched dream.
“It’s a pity that, as a woman, I can’t fight a man. If it was possible, I would really like to be in a boxing match with the champ, Floyd,” said this boxer who gets 10 out of 10 for big dreams.
Her message to young boxers is: Perseverance is a virtue. See yourself as a natural-born leader, as we face lots of challenges in life, as well as in boxing. Believe in yourself and lastly, trust the process and trust yourself.
Her biggest supporter and inspiration in life is her dad, who taught her self-discipline and self-love. She is currently doing a one-year course in Sports Management at Boston College.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
