A young woman boxer from Langa is putting her community on the map as she prepares to go head-to-head with Laur Grybz in Poland for the World Championship boxing title on Sunday, 15 March.
Undefeated champion from Langa
The 24-year-old Simamkele Tusheni is undefeated in all eight of her professional bouts.
The International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Africa Junior Featherweight champion is adamant that she will win the upcoming fight.
“I’m well prepared. I am ready for anything. Nothing can stop me. Even if the fight were tomorrow, I would be ready,” she said.
Balancing firefighting and professional boxing
A firefighter with Working on Fire, Tusheni said preparing for the fight has not been easy, as she works during the day and trains in the afternoon. She credits hard work and dedication as the secrets behind her success.
Of her eight matches, two were against Adidya Mimu and Pamela Matunga, both from Malawi.
“Of all my fights, the toughest was against Pamela,” she said.
“Sport is in my veins. I enjoy contact sports. I used to play for the Busy Bee rugby team in Langa before I started professional boxing in 2022.”
Community and family support
Tusheni expressed gratitude to her supporters and vowed never to disappoint them. She also highlighted the unwavering support of her family throughout her journey.
