After giving herself an early birthday present, Simamkele Tutsheni will continue to live in hope now that she’s the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) All-Africa female junior-featherweight champion.
Tutsheni, who celebrates her 24th birthday on Sunday, 31 August, cruised to a unanimous decision victory over fellow Capetonian Caleigh Swart at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday evening.
Trained by Felix Venganayi in Cape Town, Tutsheni remains unbeaten having won all her eight fights with three of those victories coming from stoppages.
“Winning the title means a lot to me, someone who comes from the township. We all know that sometimes township people are not taken serious because of where they stay. I trained very hard for the fight because I really wanted to win the belt,” Tutsheni said.
“Golden Gloves gave us a platform and we delivered. We dished out a great performance. I put my name on the map. I also put Ngqeleni on the map.”
Having won her title, Tutsheni hopes that there will be more female boxing bouts going forward, not only in August, the women’s month. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
