Top SA boxer Simangele Hadebe optimistic ahead of international fight

This fight, scheduled for 24 May in Johannesburg, comes after Hadebe’s World Boxing Council (WBC) international female flyweight title fight against another Mexican Alma Melissa Meraz Rodriguez in August last year was postponed. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Hadebe, who was crowned Female Boxer of the Year at last year’s SA Boxing Awards, is optimistic of victory due to the hard work she and her team have been putting in behind the scenes.

"I am 100 percent confident that I will defeat her because I've put the work in. I've put everything in on my side, and the coaches have put everything in, so have my team," said Hadebe.

"And thank you to Hekkie [Budler], he's been helping me with sparring also because he's got a lot of experience, especially against Mexican fighters.

"So there's nothing I'm fearing, and the title is staying here. There's no way it's going to Mexico, that's all I can say. I'm very confident."

The African champ says she’s more than ready to fight, with the big night now just three weeks away.

"My preparations have been going very well, and I can even get in the ring right now, or tomorrow – whenever! So, I just hope Sanchez will be ready," she added.

"Fighting Gabriela Sanchez for the IBF intercontinental title, I'm ready to grab it and I'm very confident with the team I have for this fighting coming up."

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