After training Raider Muleba to become the very first female boxer from Limpopo to win a national title nearly two months ago, Mr John "Smoking Joe" Nemakonde already has a second title in his sights. This time another one of his boxers, Mashudu "K0 Girl" Ramakuela, challenges Nozipho Bell for the national championship belt at Gqeberha on Sunday.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror before one of their training sessions recently, Nemakonde said he was very confident that Ramakuela would be the second boxer from his stable to bring the national championship belt to the Thulamela Municipality this year.
"We are not going to Gqeberha for a picnic, but to take the championship belt and bring it home. We are fully aware how we are going to be treated there, but we will win," he said.
A relaxed-looking Ramakuela, who is very optimistic about winning the fight on Sunday, said she could not wait to get into the ring with her opponent. "Even though she is a closed book to me, I am ready to knock her out on Sunday. I am worried that, when you fight away from home, you don't have to leave the results in the hands of the judges. So, to avoid a home-town decision, I will have to knock her out," she said.
She said she was well prepared to go for the scheduled 10 rounds if necessary. "If she is tough enough to absorb the punishment, I will dish it out to her. I am more than ready to go the distance, but believe you me, she will not," she said.