The Gauteng Elite and Youth Championships took place on May 17 and 18 at the Transnet Boxing Academy in Koedoespoort, Pretoria.
As a member of the South Africa National Squad Thysse is also on his way to represent his country at the World Open Boxing Championships from September 7 to 21 in Russia.
The Gauteng Elite and Youth Championships took place on May 17 and 18 at the Transnet Boxing Academy in Koedoespoort, Pretoria.
The Bert Collins boxers performed in the ring during these championships.
Gerhard Thysse, a 25-year-old teacher from Hugenote Hoërskool won the Elite 81kg weight division after two hard bouts.
He first came across Ryno van Niekerk from West Gauteng District in the semi-finals which he outclassed in the second round and won on an ABC (van Niekerk’s coach threw in the towel to end the bout to prevent his boxer from receiving any unnecessary punishment).
Thysse’s opponent in the finals was Damain Paisley from Johannesburg District, a more experienced boxer than his opponent from West Gauteng. Thysse outboxed Paisley and won on a points decision 5-0 at the end of the bout, round three.
This ensured him the gold medal and to be crowned as Gauteng champion.
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As a member of the South Africa National Squad Thysse is also on his way to represent his country at the World Open Boxing Championships from September 7 to 21 in Russia.
BCB chairperson, Jeanette Dyzel says, “This is a great honour for any boxer to be selected to represent South Africa on such a high level.
“Winning a medal at these championships will ensure Thysse’s place in the SA team to the Olympics.”
Sabelo Nzwanzwa, a 30-year-old KwaThema resident did well for himself and Bert Collins Boxing Club. Nzwanzwa had three bouts in the 64kg weight division in the Elite category and was unlucky to have lost in the finals and only received a silver medal.
Nzwanzwa’s first bout in the quarter-finals against S Njakong from Sedibeng District were not an easy bout, but he did enough to win on a 3-2 points decision.
Nzwanzwa came across Thabiso Jojo from Western Gauteng and with his willpower and techniques he beat Jojo, the more experienced boxer on a 3-2 points decision.
In the finals he came across the national champion John Masamba from Johannesburg District and lost on a RSC (referee stop contest) in round one.
Coach Freddie Dicks observed the bouts carefully and expressed his appreciation of Nzwanzwa’s good skills and willingness to go that extra mile against his opponents.
Nzwanzwa promises to work hard and to prepare himself for the future with more hard work in the gym.
Geannè Dicks, a 17-year-old learner from Die Anker Hoërskool was crowned the 64kg Youth Champion after a rough first round against Christine van der Merwe, an 18-year-old from Northern Gauteng District. Unfortunately for van der Merwe, Dicks kept her on her back foot in the second round and overpowered her with punches and Dicks won on a ABD in the second round.
Coach says they will go back to the gym and work on Dicks’ skills.
Both Gerhard and Geannè have been selected to represent Gauteng in July at the South African Championships in Mpumalanga.
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