It’s safe to say that Simangele Hadebe has been ‘Smash-ing’ it, undefeated in her last six outings and her latest win seeing her become the top-ranked boxer in Africa, and she has also moved up the world rankings table and is sitting eighth in the world’s top-ten flyweight division fighters.
Hadebe’s rise to the top has been one that has been filled with her overcoming adversity. Her tenacious spirit has seen her reach the top and she has said that her number one ranking is an accomplishment that took a lot of work.
“It means a lot to me,” Hadebe told gsport about being number one in Africa. “As a woman in boxing, I have to constantly prove I am good enough, yet we still don’t get as many opportunities to fight as the men do.”
“I have worked hard to be number one. I am thankful to my sponsors RGM Cranes and Drivetrain, and of course my manager Aunty Colleen (McAusland), who have always supported me, without them it would not be possible.”
African no. 1 Flyweight Boxer, Simangele Hadebe
Being the top boxer comes with added pressure to maintain that ranking, and Hadebe agrees with the sentiment, and shares another unwelcome factor to consider.
“Yes, there is pressure. Everyone wants to beat the champion, but it also has its challenge where boxers don’t want to fight me, which in turn makes me inactive.”
‘Smash’ as Hadebe is affectionally known was in the spotlight just last month after she successfully defended her African Boxing Union (ABU) title. She got a thrilling first round win over Tanzania’s Jesca Mfinanga on 22 June 2024.
The South African boxer sealed the victory with her extraordinary skill. Unfortunately, one thing Hadebe has become accustomed to is having to deal with her bouts being canceled or postponed for various reasons.
She is hoping that this is something that can change as being able to fight is the only way she can continue to perform in order to be at the top of the boxing rankings.
“I am praying I’ll be more active this year to keep my ranking. Every time I fight and win, I go up in ranking. I’m hoping Boxing South Africa, Women In Boxing tournaments taking place will put me on the bill to fight, as last year I was not included in any of the tournaments.”
Hadebe added: “I am hopeful that I will be on the Women in Boxing events defending my ABU and SA titles.”
Being the best in the business takes some serious motivation and Hadebe says the sport has given her so much to be thankful for and this is a big factor in her motivation to always give her all.
“Boxing is my life. It’s all I know. Boxing gave me purpose. Boxing helped me to speak out about child abuse and to deal with it after so many years of keeping it to myself.”
Main Photo Caption: Undefeated in her last six outings and her latest win seeing her become the top-ranked boxer in Africa, Simangele Hadebe has also moved up to eighth in the world’s top ten flyweight division boxers. Photos: Colleen McAusland
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