Keeping boxing alive and well in Randgate

Randgate Boxing Club is doing its bit to keep that fire for the sport burning among the youth after having hosted the Gauteng Development Boxing Tournament recently.

There were 29 bouts in total for the tournament with the standout matchups involving bout 8 between Thobani Malema from Kempton Boxing Club and Hanro Botes from Pretoria Boxing Club followed by bout 9 between ZJ Griffin from Eagles Boxing Club and Sebastiaan Brown from TUT-Pretoria Boxing Club.

“These boys put up the best two bouts of the day. All four boys are technically gifted and stand firm in all three rounds against their opponent. The boxing talent properly flowed with these four boxers having high goals and big hearts – they are to be watched in the future,” said the head coach at the Randgate Boxing Club, Willie Consalves.

He added that locally, five Randgate Boxing Club members were in action in the ring on the day with two boxers coming out on top.

The 15-year-old Annelien Wilken beat 14-year-old Lianie van Vuuren from Krugersdorp West in the second round of the girls’ junior division while Eric Westcott (16) also came out victorious against Shaun Barnard from Protearif in the second round of the boys junior division. Both bouts were stopped by the referee.

Wynand van Rensburg, Sonja van Rensburg, and Nicole Oberholzer were the other proud Randgate boxers to have competed in the tournament but they unfortunately lost their fights.

“We are extremely grateful for all clubs and boxers who came out to participate in this great event. It was all in all another successful day in boxing development,” added Consalves.

What the coaches had to say about the talent on display:

• Leon Consalves – “The boxing was of a good standard and there was a lot of potential.”
• Willie Consalves – “I am really concerned about the future of boxing as there were almost no boxers aged 12 and younger during the weigh-in. I therefore see a very dark future in boxing if there is no improvement because the youngsters are the future. Overall though, I think the boxing on display saw great talent emerge and we had a successful tournament yet again.”
• Tienie Blom – “The standard of boxing was very high and we are very proud of our boxers. It is just great to be part of such an amazing sport.”
• Cap Matthews – “We could see there was a big interest in the tournament and the dedication from each boxer was a standout for me. It showed on every fighter’s face as well.”
• Louise Matthews – “There were extremely good fights and I was personally most impressed by the amazing talent on display. There is a great passion for the sport and we could see it in all 29 bouts.”

“We want to invite all, young and old, to come and join our boxing family where you can unwind and be the best boxer you can be. Who knows, you might even develop that champ within you,” Consalves concluded.

• Details: Visit their Facebook page Randgate Amateur Boks Klub for more information.