PE’s Bell has sights on world title
Bay’s No 1 female boxer and South Africa’s reigning junior lightweight champion ready to fight unbeaten Polish fighter Ewa Brodnicka
Nelson Mandela Bay’s No 1 female boxer and South Africa’s reigning junior lightweight champion Nozipho Bell is ready and raring to fight unbeaten Polish fighter Ewa Brodnicka for the World Boxing Association world super featherweight championship title in Poland on October 26.
“Ntsimbi” (which means steel), as she is known in the boxing world, will be the third boxer from the Bay region to get an opportunity for a world title after Vuyani Nene and the late Mzukisi Sikali.
The 29-year-old boxer from Walmer Township faced many hurdles ahead of this crucial fight, having struggled to get funding for her medical tests.
With assistance, she managed to submit her brain scan, which was the only medical test outstanding from her medical report on the final day of submission.
Now that all is well, Bell has put her sights on returning home with the title.
Speaking at a press conference which was organised by the municipality on Friday, Bell said: “We have been working very hard since day one and I must say we are well prepared.
“It’s a bit of a challenge for us because this will be the first time we are fighting out of the country, but physically and mentally we are prepared.
“The opponent is fit and people who know Polish people say they are the fittest people in the world.
“I think I am ready for her. I am also a champion in my country.’’
At the send-off, the boxer was presented with some travelling gear, which included takkies, tracksuits and jackets, by the sport, recreation, arts and culture member of the mayoral committee, Lehlohonolo Mfana.
Mfana promised to assist Bell in the future.
“Next time we will plan on time and properly. We are very proud of Nozipho.”
Bell welcomed the merchandise, saying: “I am very happy because I need some of these items as we are struggling for funds and things like boots and fighting strip. We don’t have those things.”
Her mentor Caiphus Ntante thanked all those who came on board and assisted Bell financially to make her dream of fighting abroad possible.
Ward 4 councillor Ayanda Tyokwana said: “As her ward [and] councillor we are very grateful to have such an icon in sport. We know Nozipho Bell as ‘Fish’ in the township. We want to wish her well.
“May she go and represent us as the ward, township, province and country and make us proud. We are so sure that she is going to bring the title back home.”
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