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Johannesburg - New kid on the block Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile feels on top of the world after becoming the country’s first boxer in many years to win a South African title after less than 10 fights.
At the age of 20, the fighter from Duncan Village, East London, made a name for himself by joining a select group of the country’s greats: he won the national featherweight belt during only his fifth bout as a professional fighter.
Golden Boy, who is completing Grade 11 at Kusile Comprehensive High School in Duncan Village, caused a major upset by dethroning Macbute “Macman” Sinyabi in a unanimous points decision at Orient Theatre in East London last Saturday.
It is rare these days for pugilists to lift national championship crowns with few bouts under their belts, but Fuzile defied the odds and rewrote history.
“Winning a national championship with only five fights is something special for me,” said Fuzile, who turned professional in 2014.
“I’ve heard of guys who won crowns with less than 10 fights before, and I’m delighted to join this band.”
Golden Boy credits himself with being a school pupil who has managed to rule the boxing ring.
“I am able to manage my school work and boxing career very well. I guess this comes with proper planning,” Fuzile said.
He said that since dethroning Sinyabi, he had become an instant hero at school.
“Everybody at school, including my classmates, principal and staff, have congratulated me, saying it’s great to have a boxing hero at the school,” Fuzile said.
“This is a rare thing to happen. I have really put my school on the map.”
He said it would be ideal for him to finish matric next year while still holding on to his title.
The pugilist credits his trainer Mzamo “Chief” Njekanye with helping him strategise to bring Macman’s reign to an end.
“During the fight, Sinyabi took me [for granted], and my trainer kept on telling me to pile up pressure on him throughout the fight,” Fuzile said.
“This strategy worked well for me because I used my left hooks effectively and dropped him three times: once in the fourth round and twice in the final round.”
But Golden Boy still respects Macman, despite having come out tops. “He’s a great champion with a great heart,” he said.
Fuzile, who started boxing at the age of 10, and who won national amateur titles in 2011 and 2012, is looking to have his next fight in December.
“My promoter is negotiating to have me challenge for the World Boxing Council silver title,” Fuzile said.
