Boxing South Africa (BSA) has saluted one of the finest trainers in the country, Norman Hlabane, after he was honoured by State President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Hlabane, who produced world and national champions, received the Order of Ikhamanga silver award from Ramaphosa for his major contribution in South African boxing.
In a statement, BSA said: “Boxing South Africa joins the nation in celebrating one of our own, Mr Norman Hlabane, known affectionately in the sweet science as Bro Knox, who was conferred with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa.
“To know Bro Knox is to understand the very heartbeat of South African boxing. A pugilist of rare insight and unshakeable resolve, he did not merely participate in the sport, he helped forge its modern legacy. From the corner to the canvas, from township gyms to the world’s grandest stages, his fingerprints are on some of the most seismic moments in local boxing history.”
Hlabane led the late Dingaan Thobela and the late Lehlohonolo Ledwaba to world title glory. He also trained Ditau Molefyane, Jan Bergman and David Potsane. Hlabane now hones the skills of reigning SA lightweight titlist Khaya Busakwe.
The BSA statement concluded: “Boxing South Africa salutes you, Bro Knox. You have given more to the ring than titles and tape, you have given it soul. May this silver honour gleam as brightly as the champions you moulded, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations of fighters who dare to dream.”
