RICARDO Hirama is proud to be the first South African Indian professional boxer in 21 years.

Featherweight Mohamed Patel was the last reputable boxer from the community to enter the ring, in 1992.

To put things into perspective, Seaman Chetty - who held the "non-white" South African flyweight and bantamweight belts in the 1930s - was the last Indian champion.

Hirama made a promising debut two weeks ago when he stopped William Baloyi in the fourth round in the featherweight division .

The right-hander from Newlands West, Durban, said he knew that he would have to be strong to handle the growing pressure and the burden of expectations. "I feel that I may inspire other Indian boys and girls to take up. boxing."

A fight between Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward on May 18 2002 inspired him to take up the sport. Ward won the fight on a majority points decision.

"It showed the power of the human spirit and the ideals of champions who were challengers, and winners who were once losers. That is what boxing is all about for me."

Hirama (24), a geography, life orientation and travel and tourism teacher at Overport Secondary School, said his pupils' reaction after his debut fight was encouraging.

He took part in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Invitational in the amateur ranks this year - and registered 18 wins against five losses.

The boxer, who is trained by Mark Bristol and Keith Burter at Train Boxing Gym, expects to be back at Emperors Palace in November.