Tshilamba-based, up-and-coming boxer Adivhaho Nemutanzhela expresses his gratitude for local veteran boxing trainer Mr John “Smoking Joe” Nemakonde, who has already organised his first professional boxing fight since he joined the trainer’s boxing stable earlier this year. Nemutanzhela is scheduled to fight Zweli Nhlapo in Mpumalanga on 15 December.

The 26-year-old boxer stated that he had been fighting in the amateur ranks for the past 10 years, but no coach had ever offered to take him to be tested for a professional boxing license. “Since I started training here in January this year, he (Nemakonde) told me that if I dedicate myself to the sport and work hard, he would take me to the professional ranks to become a boxing champion. I turn professional next month, and I am not going to disappoint him,” he said.

Nemutanzhela mentioned that he had grown up as a supporter of one of the best boxers in the world, Floyd Mayweather. These days, however, he is a big fan of Manny Pacquiao. When asked why he had switched from Mayweather to Pacquiao, even after Mayweather had defeated Pacquiao in their gruelling fight a few years ago, he said that, while Mayweather was one of the most gifted boxers in the world, Pacquiao was a hard worker who punched very hard too, like himself. “I am also a hard worker and I have amazing punching power from both hands. I am as fast as Floyd Mayweather and hit as hard as Manny Pacquiao,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked why he had signed Nemutanzhela, who is already 26 years old, Nemakonde answered that Nemudzivhadi had the right attitude and was a very dedicated boxer. “It is true that he should have turned professional at a younger age, but it is better to be late than never. Believe you me, if he keeps on working as hard as he is doing at the moment, he will be a South African Featherweight Champion very soon,” he said.