Grit and determination are what helped newly-crowned national champion Bonita van Jaarsveldt on her way to winning the South African female lightweight title on Saturday evening.
The 32-year-old Van Jaarsveldt had the SA championship belt strapped around her waist after she defeated Raider Muleba by a split decision at a TLB Boxing Promotions tournament held at Vodaworld in Midrand.
Sylvia Mokaila scored the fight 94-95 for Muleba while Thando Xamlashe and Duduzile Dlamini had Van Jaarsveldt winning by 97-92 and 95-94 respectively.
“It was a really tough fight. At least I won. I didn’t expect the fight to be as tough as it was. She really brought an A game, she gave it all during the fight,” Van Jaarsveldt remarked.
It was the second time that Van Jaarsveldt attempted to win the national title. She was defeated by former champion Kholosa Ndobayini at the Meropa Casino in Polokwane two years ago.
“I think it all goes back to how much one put in at training. I think the one that won last night is the one who put a little bit more. My determination was a bit more than hers,” Van Jaarsveldt said.
This was the second defeat that Van Jaarsveldt inflicted on Muleba, who only beat her once with the other bout between them having been a draw.
Meanwhile, Muleba was attempting to make a first successful defence of the title she won after she dethroned Ndobayini in Tzaneen in November last year.
