BOIPATONG.- The old saying rings true: Like father like son!
Maitse will make his professional debut against an unknown opponent in Johannesburg this weekend. This was revealed to Sedibeng Ster Sport by his father Bongani ‘Wonderboy’ Mahlangu who is also a boxer by profession. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Mahlangu said that Maitse will be fighting against an opponent whose name is still to be revealed. He also told Sedibeng Ster Sport that this is a proud moment for him as a father.
Mahlangu said that hard work finally paid off for his son who has been dedicated to his training from a young age. He believes that this is the beginning of great things to come for his son in South African boxing. Mahlangu, himself, made history when he became the first amateur boxer to qualify for the Olympics Games. Like his father wo is still one of the respected boxers in his divisions since he turned professional, Maitse seems to follow the same route his father took when he became a household name in South African boxing.
Mahlangu also comes from a boxing family with his own father, Cutter Mahlangu, having been a boxer himself. Mahlangu told Sedibeng Ster Sport that boxing is in their family’s blood and that he believes his son will continue with this legacy.
“I was blessed to be born in this family because my father was a boxer, and I became a boxer as well, and now my son continues with this legacy. I’m grateful because I never thought that one day my son would be a professional boxer. Benni is passionate about this sport, and he used to go with me when I was going to fight and at training, just like I did with my father. I thought he was just going with me (only for fun), only to find out that he developed a love for this sport the same way as I started. He is very committed, and he doesn’t take advantage that his father and grandfather are boxers,” he told Sedibeng Ster Sport.
