Langa boxing champ aiming high

Unbeknownst to Simamkele Tutsheni, her coaches and Boxing South Africa (BSA) officials decided to organise a triumphant parade through the streets of Langa for her, to celebrate the first female champion to emerge from Langa.

Tutsheni took home the Western Cape bantamweight belt in a win against Lufuno Muntshayi on Freedom Day, April 27.

The 21-year-old pugilist is poised for a bright future in the ring. More impressively she has only been in the sport for just over a year.

She discovered a boxing gym in Langa in 2021 and immediately jumped to try her hand at combat. Before then, rugby had always been her sport of choice and she is a member of Busy Bees.

A year after putting on the boxing gloves the first time, she turned pro and has now amassed an impressive four wins in four outings, with a 100% finish.

Speaking to Vukani about the parade on May 7, she said she was overwhelmed with joy when noticing how significant it meant to have a champ in her community.

“The support from the Langa residents was overwhelming, and even the mayor joined in celebrating this significant achievement.

“My journey in boxing began in 2021, fueled by a lifelong passion for contact sports. As a rugby player, I was drawn to the intensity and discipline that boxing offered.

My initial training took place at Cape Town Youth Academy in Langa, but I have since found my home at the 9SAI boxing club”, said Tutsheni.

She says to her as a woman boxing means more than just ring action but a needed self-defence mechanism. To her, that is why the sport holds such a special place. And winning the WC title has intensified her dreams beyond a world champion status.

“I see myself as a future world champion, and I am determined to make that vision a reality. Defending the belt I currently hold is a priority, and I will not allow anyone to take it away from me easily,” she said.

“Throughout my boxing career, I owe a debt of gratitude to many individuals who have played pivotal roles in my development. My coaches from Langa, who nurtured my skills and instilled in me the belief that I could achieve greatness. The coaches from the 9SAI boxing club have also been instrumental in my growth as a boxer,” she added.

For her journey to reach the heights she is planning to reach, she wishes more spotlight can be placed on boxing, not only in the city but the whole country. She does admit though that progress is evident with more and more tournaments in the city offering action to new up-and-coming boxers. Publicity of the sport will mean more endorsement deals are easier to find and those sorts of incentives play a massive role in magnifying careers.

“It is disheartening to witness how little people know about current championship holders in boxing, compared to the extensive coverage given to other sports,” she said.