Sazisiwe Simon Aspires to Win Global Title

Sazisiwe Simon, the North West Bantamweight division champion of the Rise of Women in Boxing Series, has every intention and desire to win every championship there is, and capturing the bantamweight belt is only the beginning of her quest.

Simon, who was born in the Eastern Cape and relocated to the North West in Rustenburg when she was seven years old, started boxing to lose weight but had no idea that the love bug would eventually bite and make her want to make a career out of it.

In this chat, Sazisiwe Simon offers a few insights on her journey.

Sazisiwe, congratulations on winning the Bantamweight division title at the Rise of Women in Boxing Series. How does it feel to be a champion?

It's a great feeling really, it does not only feel like all the hard work I have put on the gym has paid off, but it is also wonderful to finally see the light towards the journey of my career.

How did you prepare yourself physically and mentally for the fight?

I have invested more energy and determination on the gym and also listening and do what I was told by my trainer, has really worked for me. Mentally I had to remind myself that this is what I was destined for.

Please tell us about yourself and where you are from?

My name is Sazisiwe Simon; I was born in the Eastern Cape in a small town of Ladyfrere at Mkhapusi. I then came in North West after losing my mom at seven years old. I was raised by my father.

What inspired you to be a boxer?

Honesty, I just wanted to lose weight and join the Boxing and while I was there losing weight, I fell in love with boxing and it just stole my heart.

What do you consider to be your greatest strengths as a boxer?

My strength is hard work; I always give my best in training. So yeah training is what gives me strength.

Can you please share with us a memorable fight in your career and what you learned from it?

My memorable fight was with Monica Mnkandla from Zimbabwe. It really showed me that I should not underestimate my opponent, I should always fight had as I worked at the gym.

How do you deal with setbacks and losses, both in and out of the ring?

It's hard to deal with such challenges after all the hard work you have invested into but then again I dust self and get up and work, because feeling sorry for myself won't help me in any way I just reminded myself what my goal is in my career.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a professional boxer?

My advice would be if you want to be there, know that it is not easy, the punches are real. It wants the love and passion for it.

What do you still want to achieve?

I want to take every belt that is there on my division. Where I am going, I am going for the World Champion belt.

Photo: Sazisiwe Simon aspires to win the global title(North West Department of ACSR)