Boxing club cries for help

The club owner, George Khosi, a former sparring partner of Dingaan Thobela, and a former world champion, said he was determined to produce world renowned boxers – but without support from the community and government his dreams were fruitless.

“I train boxers here but the wealthy clubs come and steal them from me because I cannot feed and give them conducive accommodation. I won’t mention names but some of them have become national and world champions. I want boxers which Hillbrow can proudly say, ‘That one is ours’. I am desperately looking for sponsors for the club and individual boxers.”

He added that the club was just surviving on small hand-outs from a few individuals. He lashed out at local businesses who depend on community support but do “nothing” to give back to the community. “We buy from them every day but they do nothing for this community.”

Currently Khosi has two female professional boxers and seven male professional boxers in his stable, but he needs support to revamp his club and a new supply for the visibly fading equipment. One of his boxers, Brandon Matuka, a Malawian national, described Khosi as a very good trainer with a great passion for the sport; while Nathaline Bania, a professional female boxer at the club, echoed Khosi’s cry for help.

“George is a very good but strict trainer, the only thing which is lacking here is financial support, we need sponsors to help us in our careers. Last week I had a fight in Bloemfontein but I struggled to prepare for the fight because of lack of financial back-up.”

Khosi, a widower and a father of a seven-year-old son, said God was the one who kept him going despite all the struggles. He said, “I just trust God to take me through the day.” In addition Khosi also trains about 70 children and adults in his gym for free in an effort to get them off the streets.

Details: George Khosi, 082 260 4804.