Young and ambitious amateur boxer Worship Chauke has returned home fired up after a triumphant performance at the African Boxing Championship in Guinea, where he claimed a gold medal in the 80kg youth division.
The 17-year-old from Malamulele B2, a Grade 12 learner at Malamulele Secondary School, defeated two opponents – one from Guinea, whose bout was stopped by the referee, and another from Libya, whom he beat on points. The championships were held from 16 to 26 May.
Chauke now boasts an impressive amateur record of 23 wins and just two losses in 25 fights, and he says he is more motivated than ever.
He is a member of the Makhoma Boxing Club in Malamulele, under the guidance of coach Hlonipho Maboko. He qualified for the Guinea tournament after winning the national championships in the 80kg division in Tzaneen last year.
In an interview with Limpopo Mirror, Chauke was brimming with confidence after his return. "My performance at the championships showed that I'm not less than any other boxer from other countries. This has boosted my morale and confidence, and I'm really fired up to take my game to another level. My future plan is to continue boxing at amateur level and to turn professional at the age of 19," he said.
On how he got into boxing, Chauke credits his older brother. "My brother Blessing was a boxer and would amaze me with his training. I also fell in love with his boxing kit. This motivated me, and I told myself that one day I would follow suit and don the kit. I'm living my dream," he said.