Four South African boxers take to the ring today as the Brics Games swing into action in Kazan, Russia.
In all, more than 60 countries are taking part in 27 disciplines. Boxing has attracted 16 countries among them India, Uzbekistan, hosts Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Venezuela.
Among the big names taking part is Uzbekistan’s Olympic super-heavyweight champion Jalolov Bakhodir who’s also two-time world champion and three-time gold medallist in the Asian Championships.
Brics is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa who joined in 2010.
The purpose of the group is to bring together the world’s most important developing countries to challenge the political and economic might of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe.
South Africa is represented by ten boxers, six men and four women.
In a phone chat with South Africa’s team manager, Michelle Rossouw from Kazan, she said the team is in high spirits ready to showcase boxing made in South Africa to the Kazans.
“We had a training camp here, the boxers are tired after a very long trip to Kazan but they’re positive and looking forward to the experience,” said Rossouw, adding:”Being a hero in the toughest sport in the world is a huge responsibility. Kazan has summer now, it’s humid ranging between 27-32 degrees, sunrise is approximately at 2.30am and sunset at 22.00 pm.”
Thirty-six bouts are lined up in today’s schedule.
The first South African boxer in action is female lightweight Musa Phikotso who meets Venezuela’s Krisandy Yasbeidy.
South Africa’s most experienced boxer in the team, Mandela Cup light-welterweight silver medallist John Paul Masamba is next in the squared circle against China’s Mamuti Yibulayimu with women’s bantamweight Qasana Cwenga taking on Russia’s Natalya Samohina and men’s light-middleweight Siphlamanda Damesi battling Daniil Titko of Belarus.
Credit: AFBC Communications
