BOXING is not just about throwing punches for Unathi Myekeni.
The female fighter from Mdantsane is actually using the sport to better her life, as well as the life of her eight-year-old son, Manyano.
Myekeni, nicknamed "African Queen", the moniker she got from her previous trainer Nick Durandt, will square off against Brazilian Simone da Silva Duarte for the vacant WBA junior featherweight title.
The bout will take place at East London's Orient Theatre on June 2. It will top promoter Andile Sdinile's Sijuta Promotions bill.
Myekeni said her plan to buy a house for Manyano rested on the result of her upcoming fight.
"I hope the Almighty will be on my side on the night because He knows my needs," she said yesterday.
Myekeni said that her son was aware that she was risking her life for him.
"We talk about boxing and its dangers all the time," she said. "He encourages me a lot and is okay with me being a boxer, but he does not see himself becoming one.
"He wants to be a pilot.
"You see, I must be a world champion, buy a house and earn big money so that I can be able to dig deep in my pockets for his school fees."
Myekeni knows what to expect from Duarte, who failed to win the WBA lightweight title against Cecilia Comunales last year. That was Duarte's fourth defeat in 15 fights.
"I've seem videos of two of her fights. She is a good boxer and I like what I saw because it is from such bouts that you get a real champion," said Myekeni, who forfeited her WBF belt in April due to inactivity.
As a result, she has not seen action since March 24 2012.
"Don't worry, I won't be ring rusty. In fact, I don't believe in that. I'm ready physically and mentally for the fight, that's all.
"The WBA belt will remain in East London," she promised.
Myekeni, who is mentored by Lennox Mpulampula in Mdantsane, is undefeated in eight fights.
Meanwhile, Lusanda Komanisi and Nkosana Sobethu will be involved in the official featherweight title eliminator, while Noni Tenge will fight Argentinian Silvia Fernanda Zacarias in a non-title 10-rounder in the welterweight division.
Boxing is not a game for Myekeni
BOXING is not just about throwing punches for Unathi Myekeni.
The female fighter from Mdantsane is actually using the sport to better her life, as well as the life of her eight-year-old son, Manyano.
Myekeni, nicknamed "African Queen", the moniker she got from her previous trainer Nick Durandt, will square off against Brazilian Simone da Silva Duarte for the vacant WBA junior featherweight title.
The bout will take place at East London's Orient Theatre on June 2. It will top promoter Andile Sdinile's Sijuta Promotions bill.
Myekeni said her plan to buy a house for Manyano rested on the result of her upcoming fight.
"I hope the Almighty will be on my side on the night because He knows my needs," she said yesterday.
Myekeni said that her son was aware that she was risking her life for him.
"We talk about boxing and its dangers all the time," she said. "He encourages me a lot and is okay with me being a boxer, but he does not see himself becoming one.
"He wants to be a pilot.
"You see, I must be a world champion, buy a house and earn big money so that I can be able to dig deep in my pockets for his school fees."
Myekeni knows what to expect from Duarte, who failed to win the WBA lightweight title against Cecilia Comunales last year. That was Duarte's fourth defeat in 15 fights.
"I've seem videos of two of her fights. She is a good boxer and I like what I saw because it is from such bouts that you get a real champion," said Myekeni, who forfeited her WBF belt in April due to inactivity.
As a result, she has not seen action since March 24 2012.
"Don't worry, I won't be ring rusty. In fact, I don't believe in that. I'm ready physically and mentally for the fight, that's all.
"The WBA belt will remain in East London," she promised.
Myekeni, who is mentored by Lennox Mpulampula in Mdantsane, is undefeated in eight fights.
Meanwhile, Lusanda Komanisi and Nkosana Sobethu will be involved in the official featherweight title eliminator, while Noni Tenge will fight Argentinian Silvia Fernanda Zacarias in a non-title 10-rounder in the welterweight division.
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