×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Rose looks good, thanks to Eubank's inspiration

Colourful emerging boxer Nyelisani "The Rose of Limpopo" Thagambega says he is living proof that if one wants to be the best in what they want to do, then they must learn from the best.

The 27-year-old boxer from Luheni, Venda, was referring to his idol, former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion Chris "Simply the Best" Eubank.

Thagambega, who is trained as a boxer in Boksburg by Harold Volbrecht, has become a celebrity due to his taste in clothes.

This thanks to Eubank - who dresses as a stereotype upper-class Englishman (in jodhpurs, bowler hat and riding boots; sporting a monocle and carrying a silver-tipped cane).

Such glamour, along with his perceived arrogance and self-glorifying antics, endear Eubank to the tabloids. Prior and post his fights, Eubank would still be dressed to the nines - something that the 50-year-old retired fighter still does to this day.

"I loved his dress code from when I was still at school," said Thagambega.

"I used to watch that man on television, going to weigh-ins. He will be dressed smart. He would fight, and once the fighting was done, dress smartly afterwards.

"That man loved himself but I think he actually looked professional."

The boxer said the misconception about boxing is that it is a blood sport for dumb people who enjoy being beaten up for a prize. "This is like going to work for me," he said.

"It really is all about self-respect, I doubt that any working person - who loves themself - will go to work dressed shabbily. I like to dress smart because it makes me feel good about myself, not that I want attention. I am not earning big purses like Eubank but still I can afford to look good."

Such was Eubank's extravagance that he once employed a beggar to shine his thousand pairs of shoes. Eubank is said to change his outfit four times a day and the dry cleaners would send a big van to pick up his stuff.

He had outfits for riding his motorbikes, driving his cars, taking a walk and strictly for interviews. The crowning glory, it is said, was his 32ft, seven-ton Peterbilt truck which is said to have once got wedged in a tunnel in Paris causing traffic chaos.

Said Thagambega: "Much as I liked that man, I would never go that far. I have never bought any designer stuff. My jackets cost me at least R500 to R600 but surely less than R1000.

"I buy shirts for at least R100 to R200 and my pants cost the same. I would not mind to buy a suit for R700 to R1200. I am prepared to spend R300 for a good pair of shoes I pay at least R50 for my shades [glasses].

"For me it is about choice."

Thagambega also paid tribute to his former trainer Frank Ramabulana who always told the boxer to look good.

"He dresses smart, and I wanted to be like him.

"The way we [boxers] look outside the ring should motivate young ones to join the sport. Dressing smart actually gives respect to our sport."

Thagambega said he was still trying to find his footing in the paid ranks, and that his purse will improve with time.

"I am yet to earn R10000 but the little that I earn must look after me and also make me look good. Image is everything," said the flyweight boxer who sports a colourful Mohawk.

To date, the 27-year-old flyweight has nine wins from 16 fights.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.