Proving to be part of a new generation of boxing talent, the Bloemfontein-based fighter Lehlohonolo Motsi (18) showed class in winning a medal at this year’s South African National Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) tournament.
Staged in Tzaneen, Limpopo, from 4 to 9 July, this competition featured youth and elite boxers, both male and female, from the nine provinces.
Motsi was part of the Free State team that was made up of 24 boxers X 7 women and 17 men.
He finished on the podium as a bronze medalist, having surprised his tough, far more experienced opponents with his tenacity and talent. Amongst these opponents was the defending champion, Sinclair Ness, in the flyweight (50 kg) category.
Motsi was the only male competitor in the provincial team to return home with a medal. He came close to winning either silver or gold. However, he lost narrowly on points to Ness, the title holder from Gauteng.
“It was a close contest, because he won via split decision,” said a delighted Motsi.
A split decision occurs when two of the three judges score one competitor as the winner, while the third judge scores for the other.
Unperturbed, the gutsy Motsi went on to win against another experienced opponent. He emerged victorious against Makhoba Siyanda, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, thus improving his record of wins from 14 of 17 fights in total.
The hard-punching contender has lost only three fights since taking up boxing in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic was still an impediment to most sporting activities.
Motsi’s inclusion in the Free State team was based on his merited performances at the provincial finals staged in Bloemfontein during May, as well as other pre-tournaments.
In these bouts, he received two awards: in the one instance being acknowledged as the best boxer, and in the other being honoured with an accolade for the fastest knockout after the provincial final.
His mentor, David Molatlhoe, who also serves as the coach of the Bloemfontein-based Devil’s Boxing Club, is elated with Motsi’s achievement.
“This was his debut, and I am very impressed that he stood his ground against such experienced opponents.
“He missed out on the two national championships held in 2021 and 2022, because the provincial team did not participate,” said Molatlhoe.
