Even though the date of his fight against Asanda ‘Dynamite’ Gingqi is yet to be confirmed, national title hopeful Katlego ‘Kat’ Khanyisa strongly believes that the Mdantsane boxer’s time as a South African junior-lightweight champion is up.
Last month, the sanctioing committee of Boxing South Africa (BSA) approved the Tembisa-born Khanyisa’s challenge to Gingqi’s SA title.
“I’m very excited with the prospects of fighting for the SA title. I have always found it prestigious to fight for the SA title because I feel one has to rule in his own country first before ruling the world,” Khanyisa remarked.
Khanyisa, who has 11 wins with four knockouts, added: “Being a two-time South African amateur champion, it has always been my dream to fight for the SA title. I’m an IBF Africa champion now and I have always wanted to become an SA champion one day. It will really be great for Tembisa to have me as an SA champion.”
Tembisa in Ekurhuleni has not had an SA champion since Jackson Chauke vacated his title after he won the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight crown following a win over Afghanistan-born Briton Quaise Khademi in January 2024.
Meanwhile, Gingqi has successfully defended his SA crown twice – against Lubabalo Kweyi and Khanyisani Mbokazi – since winning it during a fight against Sifiso Hlongwane in August 2023. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
