Boxing Wassim Chellan with his promoter Jack Brice after his stoppage win against Siphenathi Qampi at the weekend.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
When it comes to sport — particularly at amateur level — Easter weekend is usually one of the busiest weekends around.
Boxing was also on the cards this time, with a Jack Brice promotion held in Wynberg at Simon van der Stel Primary School.
Wassim Chellan was back in action, fighting in front of his home crowd, and it turned out to be a memorable night for the Manenberg pugilist.
It was also a quick one in the ring for him.
A second-round stoppage victory against Siphenathi Qampi was particularly sweet for Chellan, especially after the setback of his last outing.
From the opening bell, it was clear Chellan meant business, determined and focused on stopping his guy.
He was out to remind anyone who might have forgotten exactly what he brings to the welterweight division.
Boxing Wassim Chellan drops Siphenathi Qampi en route to a second round stoppage win.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
He was visibly emotional after the win, as everything his camp had worked on came together perfectly.
The fight plan, drawn up by his corner that includes former world champion Mzonke Fana, was exactly what was needed.
"It's what we intended to do, and we got the job done quickly as well," said Chellan post-fight.
For him, the vision remains the same, a road to the South African title. This win was the kind of momentum he wants to carry forward toward that goal.
"This meant a lot to me because I needed to find out where I was mentally while being in there," he said. "I was more calm, more relaxed, and my previous experience paid off."
“SA title is next, no two ways about it. That’s how we’re moving forward. I’ve got to keep the ball rolling and stay more active,” he added.
Fighting in front of home fans and family is always special for any fighter, and Chellan is no exception. He said it's tough to even put into words the kind of support he felt on the night.
Boxing Jason Paal lands a left hook in his fight against Vuyani Kosana.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
"A lot of emotions. Family and friends made it even more special, even during the build-up to the fight. It was an incredible feeling, and the atmosphere was outstanding,” he said.
Heading into the bout, Chellan was already ranked number three in the SA welterweight division.
He had previously been slated to challenge for the SA title about a year ago, and now it seems like it’s just a matter of time before that fight materialises.
His camp, made up of champions and former champions, knows what it takes to claim national glory. That experience and support could help push Chellan to new heights in his career if he's given the opportunity.
The Jack Brice promotion delivered an electric night of boxing, with fans treated to six stoppages in seven bouts, some of which came with surprising outcomes.
In the main event, Asekho Nocele continued his rise in the sport by stopping Lopez Maluleke in the seventh round of their scheduled eight-rounder.
Boxing Calvin Madondo stopped his opponent Siphesande Luthuli.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Earlier in the night, Tshepo Nokhele shocked the home crowd with a first-round stoppage of Philippi’s own boxing talent, Asavela Peter, in what was Nokhele’s debut.
Jason Paal took just two rounds to dispatch Vuyani Kosana, while Calvin Madondo and Lukhangele Majali also picked up stoppage wins, Madondo defeating Siphesande Luthuli, and Majali beating Nikho Loli.
The only bout that went the distance was the explosive women’s matchup between Olwethu Makhathala and Noxolo Magagula. Both fighters made their debut in a spirited contest that couldn’t be settled inside the ring, and it went to the judges’ scorecards for a decision win for Makhathala.