Young boxer sets her sights on the Olympics
Young boxer talks about how she chose the sport as a career.
After being introduced to boxing at a very young age, Geanne Dicks (20) became a professional fighter.
Originally from Casseldale in Springs, Geanne is a single mother of a five-month-old boy who she refers to as her biggest motivation.
“My father was also my motivation and coach before he passed away. He taught me everything that I am today in boxing and I will forever be grateful,” said Dicks.
After her father’s death, she had a step back in her career because she did not feel motivated enough to be in the ring.
“I did not see the point of returning into the ring because my biggest motivator was no more. I was supposed to compete in the Olympic Games in 2020 but the pandemic made it impossible for us. I felt let down so I decided to take a break from everything,” she said.
Rflecting on why she started boxing made her come back stronger than before. She wanted to honour her father’s name.
“I started taking boxing lessons as self-defence because I was bullied a lot in Grade Three. I enjoyed the training and decided to compete when I was in Grade Seven for the SAs. I became a champion and so pursued this career,” said Dicks.
She wanted to show other women that anything is possible. She believes that more women should be in boxing, especially in this country.
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She became pregnant in 2021 and she did not stop training during her pregnancy. Everyone thought she will stop after having a baby but she wanted to prove them wrong that being a mother does not mean some things have to stop.
“After giving birth I started training fully. When I am training my grandmother looks after my son. My family has been so supportive,” she said.
Her family is proud of her achievements.
“My dream right now is to be in the Olympics and make my father proud. My uncle is now my head coach,” she said.
She has participated in 40 fights, with 33 wins and three losses. Her recent fight was on May 11 for the Women’s World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, against Davina Myrha Michel who had 40 international flights.
It was her first time competing internationally, which she lost.
“I am a sore loser but I learn from my mistakes and it serves as a stepping stone,” she said.
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