×

We've got news for you.

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

'Stepping stone' jab rubs Simwaka the wrong way

Gabisile warned that comeback bid will falter on August 15

Boxer Ellen Simwaka and her trainer Junior Assoya.
Boxer Ellen Simwaka and her trainer Junior Assoya.
Image: supplied

Ellen “Tigress” Simwaka and her trainer Junior Assoya have fired back at trainer Elias Meopbe who warned last week that his charge Gabisile “Simply the Best” Tshabalala will use Simwaka as a stepping stone on her journey to redemption when they meet at Booysens Hall on August 15.

Their international non-title bout will deputise for the main event of the Gauteng Boxing Promoters Association’s tournament to commemorate August 9, national Women’s Day. The boxing tournament – featuring mainly females – will be headlined by the SA bantamweight title fight between holder Melissa “Honey Bee” Miller and challenger Sharadene Fortuin.

Mpembe hit a nerve when he said: “We will use Ellen as a stepping stone and remind the boxing family about who really is simply the best in boxing.”

Tshabalala will be making a comeback after losing two fights in a row  in 2019.

Simwaka, from Malawi, fired back: “I have beaten most SA women who are regarded as being best and I will do that to Gabisile.” She boasts a stoppage win over Smangele Hadebe when they fought for the WBF International bantamweight title in 2018.

They were meeting for the second time. Their first fight was a draw. “I like what they said about war because that is what I am bringing to them,” said Simwaka, who pulverised Miller into submission within the distance in Soweto in October last year.

“I am ready. I have been [working] hard in [the] gym preparing for the Commonwealth title fight in the UK in October. I want to thank the Gauteng Boxing Promoters Association for the opportunity to fight and beat Gabisile. I was supposed to have fought her in 2018 but I turned that offer down because I wanted to rest after having fought three fights consecutively. Gabisile is tough but I believe I am gonna overcome her.”

Assoya,who hones Simwaka’s skills at Body Action Gym in Bedfordview, said: “Simwaka has already proven herself here and whoever doubts her ability will see what she can do next month. I don’t see Gabisile going beyond four rounds; we are going in for a kill.”

Hadebe, from Springs, the Boxing SA female prospect of the year award winner in 2017 and 2018, will welcome KwaZulu-Natal's Thema Zuma in a non-title fight. It’s a grudge fight between these tiny fighters whose first fight in Pretoria two years ago was won by Hadebe via the short route.

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.