If her performance on Saturday evening is anything to go by, then the moniker ‘Lova’ is somewhat misplaced on champion boxer Sibulele Soboois as she showed what a hard worker she is on her way to dethroning Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe at the Silver Lakes Farm Hotel in Pretoria.
And after winning her fight via a split decision, Soboois left the ring with the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa female flyweight belt strapped around her waist thus becoming the first South African boxer to overcome Hadebe in almost 10 years.
Soboois is now the second SA pugilist to beat Hadebe with Bukiwe Nonina being the first fighter to do so when she outpointed her during a national female bantamweight title contest at the King Hintsa College Hall, Dutywa, in October 2016.
“The fight meant a lot to me. I showed that no matter where you come from, you can make it. I come from a poor background, however, going to the fight I was very confident because of the support I received from my family,” Soboois remarked.
“I knew that I was going to take the belt. I adapted and acclimatised very well to the weather. However, I must say that I panicked in round one thinking that I was gonna be beaten. After round one, I showed what I’m capable of.”
Following her win over the vastly-experienced Hadebe, the Khayelitsha-based southpaw has now chalked five wins in the same number of fights. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
