Boxer aims for a knockout punch to take another title
Winning the WBF World Title would mean a higher ranking in the WBC, which is what he is aiming for.
Local pugilist Gcina Makhoba, who is the current World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Super Bantamweight Champion, is ready to battle it out in the boxing ring this coming weekend for the WBF junior bantamweight vacant belt.
Gcina, 24, was crowned WBF International Junior Bantamweight Boxing Champion back in 2020 and according to him, this has been by far the biggest achievement in his career. He is also looking forward to meeting former world title contender Filipino Robert Paradero, whom he will fight on Saturday, December 3, at the Majuba College Hall.
As a member of Dladla Hle-Jobe Promotions, Gcina is from Sibongile location and started boxing at the tender age of seven. He hasn’t looked back since and the power behind his blows is testimony to the fact that he has truly gone from strength to strength in this sport.
“Boxing is not only a career for me; it’s my life! I love boxing; the ring is the only place I feel free and can express my sporting love,” said the quietly-spoken champion.
He added that he has been preparing himself at the gym and ‘nothing or no one will stop me from winning the title on Saturday!’
“I am mentally and physically ready to walk away as champion this coming weekend. Winning this title will take my career to the next level, as I would go to Cape Town as a defending champion to compete there.”
Gcina’s love for boxing shines through as he speaks about his number-one boxing idol, Moruti Mthalane, the two-time IBF flyweight champion who held the title between 2009 and 2021. “Given a chance, I would really love to battle it out with former professional boxer Moruti. My dream would be realised if that were to happen!” he says excitedly.
Although Gcina is ready to fight this weekend, he highlighted the fact that he is still struggling to get a sponsor. “Having a sponsor is vital in boxing, as I am in need of gym equipment, boxing gear and a professional dietician,” explains Gcina.
He added that Umzinyathi District Municipality has done nothing for him, even after winning the WBF International Junior Bantamweight title in 2020. “I am where I am today because of my coach, Hlula Dladla, and my supportive family.
“If I was to get sponsorship, I would be able to reach my full potential in boxing,” exclaims Gcina.
Winning the WBF World Title would mean a higher ranking in the WBC, which is what he is aiming for.
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