Tsakani – Vuyo Mnguni (21) has spent the past 12 years carving out a name for himself in the boxing world, a journey that began with a simple decision to follow a friend to a local gym in Tsakani Ext 5.
What started as curiosity while he was still in Grade Four in 2014 soon grew into a passion that would shape his life inside the ring.
Reflecting on how it all began, Mnguni said his interest in boxing was sparked by a desire to learn how to defend himself, but it was the sport’s discipline that truly drew him in and kept him committed.
“My inspiration really came from Floyd Mayweather when I began boxing. I will never forget my first fight, it was in Boksburg.
“There was a lot going on in my mind. I was filled with fear, adrenaline rushing while in the ring,” explained Mnguni.
“I had to overcome my thoughts, as wild as they were. When I entered the ring for the first time, I fought my way from the first round to the last.
“Every round felt like I could quit, but with my coach in my corner, I stayed strong. I pushed through to the final round and won on points.”
Mnguni said boxing is all about practice and doing something repeatedly until you master it. He mentioned that the sport teaches discipline, saying it is an endless process of growth.
“I learned how to face my challenges head-on, and overcame emotional, mental and physical challenges through consistency.
“I would not label myself as a boxer with one specific style. I adapt depending on the opponent I am facing.
“I have been exposed to different styles, including the Soviet style, which is one of my favourites, and the shoulder-roll style, similar to Mayweather’s approach,” he said.
He explained that he is not much different from other boxers, but whenever he steps into the ring, he goes in to be dominant and to enjoy his fights.
ALSO CHECK: Michael Mount wins the 2026 St John’s College basketball tournament
His daily training is focused mainly on strength and flexibility. Mentally, he prepares himself automatically through hard training and discipline.
“My 11th fight was one of the toughest moments in my career; it was my first loss. I was still a red-level boxer facing a more experienced silver boxer.
“I worked extremely hard in that fight and suffered a shoulder injury in the second round, but I did not let that stop me.
“Instead, I increased my work rate. That experience taught me that you are not finished until you tell yourself you are done,” he cited.
Mnguni’s proudest achievement was being crowned Youth and Junior African Champion at the Zone Five Games in Malawi in 2022.
He also represented the country at the BRICS Games in Russia in 2024 and is a three-time Amateur South African champion under SANABO, having claimed national titles in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
ALSO CHECK: Families and basketball fans turn up in numbers at 2026 St John’s College basketball tournament
Mnguni also participated in the Seychelles Games last June. His biggest support system is his mother, his elder sisters, and his coach.
Boxing has also changed his life outside the ring in many positive ways, encouraging personal growth and keeping him out of trouble.
“My coach always tells me not to enter the ring with high expectations, but to go in and test how hard I have worked.
“He says I must look for mistakes so I can grow and improve for the next fight. Pressure is manageable if you do not push yourself too hard while under it,” he said.
He advised local and upcoming boxers to keep in mind that criticism will always be there, whether they are doing well or badly.
“Do not focus on negative opinions. I focus on my growth. Defeat is part of the game, but it comes with lessons to learn from.
“At our gym, we have a slogan: ‘No pain, no gain.’ From the moment I saw it, I understood that where there is pain, there is progress and where there is pain, there is growth,” stated Mnguni.
His short-term goal is to be the best and number one wherever he is and wherever he steps.
“Do the most with what you have and value the small steps you take, because they make the next steps easier,” he concluded.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!