Former female fist fighter Caroline Rabali is confident that her entry into the world of professional boxing will be successful. She will be trading punches with Wendy Gcado during the much-talked-about Rise of Women in Boxing tournament to be held at Meropa Casino this Friday, 29 September.

Rabali made history a few years ago when she became the first female fist fighter. She is the daughter of former Musangwe champion Abraham Rabali.

Speaking to Limpopo Mirror earlier this week, she said she had been encouraged to participate in fist fighting by her father. “In fact, I used to beat boys in bare-knuckle fights without rules,” she said.

When asked if she thought she would be able to reach the professional boxing ranks, she said she had no doubts. “Believe you me, I am going to crush my opponents. I will be a champion soon.”

Another female boxer who will be making her debut in the professional ranks is Ngarothe Mugeri. She also vowed to local boxing lovers that she would win her debut fight.

Mr John “Smoking Joe” Nemakonde, who is the training manager for these two female boxers, said he was very confident that they would both make Vhembe proud. “I am very happy for them. We are going to make a very big impact on boxing history,” he said.