Eastern Cape’s Ayabonga Meko made history when he became the first SA boxer to win a gold medal at the youth level in Europe after his feat at the Eurasian Dauria Cup in Chita, Russia, at the weekend.
The 18-year-old from KwaNojoli (previously Somerset East) romped to unanimous decision victory over local hero Ivan Dobrinin in their 57kg clash.
The fire-spitting Meko controlled the bout but did not have it easy as Dobrinin was emboldened by his home-ground advantage and the partisan crowd to return fire, turning the bout into an action-packed encounter.
It was no wonder the clash was voted the best of the tournament, which started last Monday.
It was the second time Meko had won a gold medal at an international event after his triumph at the African Youth Games in Namibia in July.
The SA National Boxing Organisation described the win as the biggest achievement for SA amateur boxing.
Sanabo vice-president Lwandiso Kwababana said Meko’s victory would help inspire other young boxers in their quest to make their mark at the world stage.
“This groundbreaking achievement not only reflects his talent but also the depth of potential within our nation,” he said.
Sanabo received flak in certain boxing circles for continuing to serve under the International Boxing Association, whose president, Umar Kremlev, is Russian.
But the loyalty to IBA helped forge links with Russian Boxing Federation, which has now yielded a positive outcome with Meko’s historic achievement.
“Everyone can see that the relationship we built with Russia is yielding positive results and opening doors for our athletes to compete at the highest level,” Kwababana said.
The win comes less than three weeks after Sanabo elected a new executive, led by re-elected president Siyabulela Mkwalo and secretary Liwa Njokweni Mlokoti, with Kwababana serving as the vice-president.
Kwababana said Meko’s feat was part of Sanabo’s strategic plan to reshape SA amateur boxing (also known as open boxing).
“SA has more than enough talent to compete globally and it is our responsibility to nurture it,” he said.
Meko, a product of Siyabulela Makala’s camp, went to the championships with Gqeberha boxer Oyisa Wanga, who was eliminated in the second round by Russian Vladimir Yamkov under controversial circumstances in their 63kg clash.
Makala said he had no doubt that his charge, nicknamed “Skorobho” (Cleaner), would return with a gold medal because of his talent and work ethic in training.
“All my boxers follow a spartan training regimen and some even complain about it, but Skorobho is one the most disciplined in the gym,” he said.
“So it was easy for him to handle anything thrown at him and I am super proud of his achievements.”
Daily Dispatch
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