The performance of three South African boxers – Ntethelelo Nkosi, Keaton Gomes and Bekizizwe Maitse – at the WBC Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has not gone unnoticed.
This is the view of Boxing South Africa (BSA) chief executive officer Tsholofelo Lejaka after the three pugilists won fights in their respective divisions and reached the semi-finals of the WBC Grand Prix.
Nkosi, a former SA junior-welterweight champion, is just two wins away from being crowned the WBC Grand Prix champion after the Mtubatuba-born outpointed Italian boxer Fiorenzo Priolo having decked him in the third round of the quarter-final bout at the Global Theatre Boulevard Riyadh City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.
“This is indeed a proud and defining moment for SA boxing. The performances of Ntethelelo Nkosi, Bheki Maitse and Keaton Gomes at the WBC Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia have not only displayed their exceptional skill and tenacity, but have also shown the depth of talent within our nation,” Lejaka said.
“Ntethelelo Nkosi made a significant sacrifice of vacating his national title to compete in this global stage, a bold decision that has now paid off as he takes his place among the semi-finalists.”
Gomes, who is an erstwhile national heavyweight titlist, pummelled American opponent Devon Young before stopping him in the opening round.
“Keaton Gomes entered this tournament as an underdog, having come off a knockout loss, yet he showed remarkable resilience and mental fortitude to secure a third victory via knockout and advanced to the semis,” the BSA boss remarked.
Meanwhile, Maitse reached the semi-finals after he recorded a majority decision victory over American opponent Iman Lee in the featherweight division.
“Bheki Maitse, still early in his professional journey, is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, cementing his presence in the paid ranks and demonstrated that he can hold his own against the very best in the world,” Lejaka said.
Lejaka concluded: “Moments like these remind us why we are proud to be administrators and part of the SA pugilist family. To see our athletes advancing in what is arguably the epitome of boxing greatness is deeply fulfilling and it re-affirms our belief that SA boxing belongs in the world stage. We wish our three warriors continued strength and success as they march towards the finals.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
They are indeed making us proud
ad South African and boxing people in particular. We are proudly behind you guys and wishyou the best of luck in the semis and beyond.