Writing this introduction I’m reminded of that moment when I first walked into a boxing gym.
I was completely bowled over – not just by the intensity of the training or the raw power crackling through the air – but by something unexpected: the unbelievable camaraderie and support of the greater team that surrounds individual boxers.
The ring, you see, is a great equaliser. It doesn’t matter how much money you have in your bank account, what car you drive, or what neighbourhood you come from.
When you step through those ropes and face an opponent who wants to knock you out, you stand alone with who you are at your core – your courage, your inner strength, your determination. And paradoxically, in that moment of ultimate solitude, you realise you’re never truly alone. You have your team, your coach – people you trust implicitly to keep you not just competitive, but alive.
That’s what drew me to this beautiful, brutal, transformative sport.
The Women in Boxing Committee itself reflects this spirit. I work alongside Keletso Totlhanyo, who leads our Media and Marketing efforts, Zanele Mdodana, who heads up Wellness and Development, and Shereen Hunter, who drives our Fundraising and Sponsorships. I can honestly say that we’re not just colleagues; we’re sisters in this fight.
Through our sub-committees, we’re addressing every aspect of a female boxer’s journey.
Wellness and development because we understand that boxing requires mental strength as much as physical power. Media and marketing because talent without visibility is talent wasted. Fundraising and sponsorships because sustainable change requires sustainable funding.
When we invest in women’s boxing, we’re investing in families, communities, and the future of our country.
We stand at the threshold of a new dawn for South African boxing. Internationally, women’s sport is on the rise and boxing is no different. Our South African female athletes are just as talented and dedicated and are starting to find their place on the world stage. We made history this year with the first South African female to win a WBC title.
We’re going to do whatever it takes to make a real difference in the lives of our female licensees. Not because it’s trendy or politically correct, but because it’s right. Because talent deserves opportunity. Because dreams deserve pathways. Because every woman who has the courage to step into a boxing ring deserves a sport that recognises her worth.
Women in Boxing is not just a committee– it’s a movement. And movements don’t just happen; they’re made by people who refuse to accept the status quo, who believe in the power of change, and who are willing to fight for what they believe in.
We are those people. This is our time. This is our moment.
Let’s make history together.
Rina
Women in boxing are no longer waiting on the margins of the sport. Across South Africa, female boxers, coaches, managers, promoters, officials and administrators are shaping the future of professional boxing with courage, discipline and excellence.
Boxing South Africa, through its Women in Boxing Committee, is committed to advancing a national agenda that gives women in the sport greater visibility, stronger development pathways, safer environments and meaningful opportunities to compete, lead and succeed.
This work forms part of Boxing SA’s broader mandate to regulate, promote and grow professional boxing in South Africa while ensuring that the sport remains professional, diverse, accountable and boxer-centred.
The Women in Boxing programme exists to support the long-term, sustainable growth of women’s boxing in South Africa.
It is not only about creating more bouts for female boxers. It is about building the full ecosystem around them, from grassroots participation and provincial activity to professional development, safe training environments, credible matchmaking, media visibility, leadership opportunities and international competitiveness.
Boxing SA believes that women must be recognised across every part of the boxing fraternity: as athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, promoters, ring officials, administrators, decision-makers and role models.
South African women’s boxing is entering an important period of growth.
Recent achievements have shown what is possible when female fighters are properly developed, supported and valued. Bernice Ferreira’s IBO junior lightweight world title win strengthened the conversation around the value of South African female world champions. Sharadene Fortuin’s WBC International Female Bantamweight Title victory became a landmark comeback story and another proud moment for women’s professional boxing in South Africa. Tyla Promnick’s South African mini-flyweight title win highlighted the importance of patient development, safeguarding and athlete-first support for young female boxers.
These stories are not isolated moments. They point to a bigger responsibility: to create conditions where more women can enter the sport, remain active, develop properly and compete with confidence at national, continental and world level.
Boxing SA is committed to strengthening the development pipeline for female boxers across the country. This includes supporting opportunities for women to compete more regularly, improve their technical ability, access better preparation and progress through the professional ranks with clear pathways.
The goal is to ensure that talented female boxers are not overlooked, rushed, underprepared or left without the structure they need to succeed.
The Rise of Women in Boxing Series has become an important platform for showcasing female talent and expanding women’s boxing activity across the provinces. The series has been positioned not only as a tournament platform for female bouts, but also as a vehicle to empower female promoters, coaches and ring officials.
Through continued tournament activity, Boxing SA aims to create more opportunities for women to gain experience, build records, compete for titles and remain visible within the professional boxing calendar.
Women’s boxing must grow in a way that protects the athlete.
Boxing SA recognises the importance of safe training spaces, responsible coaching, ethical management, proper regulation and long-term athlete wellbeing. The development of female boxers must be guided by patience, care, discipline and professionalism, especially when working with young athletes entering the sport.
A boxer’s future should never be sacrificed for short-term exposure.
The growth of women’s boxing depends on women being present and active in every part of the sport.
Boxing SA encourages the participation of women not only inside the ring, but also in coaching, officiating, promoting, administration, management, communications and governance. A stronger sport requires diverse leadership and a boxing community that reflects the full talent of South Africa.
Visibility and storytelling
Women’s boxing deserves consistent coverage, not occasional attention.
Boxing SA is committed to telling the stories of female fighters and women leaders in the sport with the seriousness they deserve. These are stories of talent, sacrifice, discipline, resilience, ambition and achievement. They are also stories that inspire the next generation of girls and women to see boxing as a place where they belong.
The Women in Boxing agenda is a call to the entire boxing fraternity.
Promoters, sponsors, broadcasters, media houses, provincial structures, gyms, coaches, managers and corporate partners all have a role to play in building a stronger future for women in the sport.
This work requires investment, collaboration and consistency. It requires credible tournaments, better preparation, meaningful purses, strong management, proper recognition and pathways that do not disappear after one fight or one campaign.
Women’s boxing will grow when the full boxing community treats it as part of the sport’s core business, not as a side story.
Boxing South Africa invites stakeholders, partners, sponsors, media and boxing communities to support the continued growth of women in boxing.
By investing in women’s boxing, we are investing in the future of the sport itself: a future that is inclusive, competitive, professional and proudly South African.
For partnership, media or programme enquiries, please contact:
womeninboxing@boxingsa.co.za
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