The ‘Destroyer’ is youngest boxing promoter in Africa
After winning six fights and losing two in the professional boxing level, Phathutshedzo "Destroyer" Dongola set a new record for being the youngest boxing promoter in Africa
POLOKWANE –Â Dongola, who started boxing in 1997, says he sleeps, dreams and talks boxing.
Review Bonus asked him why he chose boxing, to which he answered boxing chose him, and he is very lucky to be associated with the sport.
“Boxing is a very rare talent and I am happy to be among a few who have been blessed with this talent. I was among the best during my boxing period, but things did not happen overnight. I had to push myself to get where I am today,” he explains.
He further says the early boxing days were physically tough on him, but he never thought of quitting. He adds that he told himself that he had to get a firm grasp on the sport and improve his skills. He said his boxing perception changed completely when he challenged the best amateur boxer, Moses Lesubi.
Lesubi was the best amateur boxer, but I overcame my doubts and fears when I came toe to toe with him in the ring. It was a tough fight, but I emerged victorious. My fellow boxers gave me the name Destroyer when I started dominating in the amateur level.
He was promoted to the professional boxing level in 2003. He had only had eight major fights where he won three on a Technical Knock-Out (TKO) and another three on points. Dongola only lost two fights in the professional level. He says he had about 88 fights in the amateur level and won about 60.
The move from boxer to promoter
He was a boxer until 2006 when he decided to hang his gloves and pursue a career as a boxing trainer, manager and promoter in the province. He says boxing is in his DNA and he will continue being a part of the sport for as long as possible.
“I am the first person in the province to produce a female boxing champion, Lizbeth “Lady Gun” Sibanda, who competed in the flyweight category. I gave Sibanda this name because she was so short like a lady gun. Sibanda had 24 fights, she won 21 and lost only three. She won 15 fights in TKO.”
Dongola says boxing is for people who are patient, dedicated, brave and hard working. Boxers have to be their own trainers and monitor their own diets to become the best. He further says the sport does need a strong personality. He says there are three types of boxers being a fighter, boxer and scientific boxer.
He was inspired by Philip Ndou and Oscar De La Hoya to chase after his boxing dreams.
Asked about his take on boxers who use drugs to enhance their strength, Dongola says he does not support anyone who uses drugs. “Fair play should be promoted at all times, and there should be harsh punishment for athletes who use drugs to boost their performance,” he explains.
He says boxing is not given the recognition it deserves in Limpopo and he urges residents to support the sport.
Dongola encourages boxers to continue working hard and never give up on their dreams. He says hard work, dedication and perseverance always pays at the end.
