After nearly seven decades, 86-year-old boxing official Frederick van der Ross watched as the sport evolved, but says his love for boxing has never faded.
Van der Ross started as a boxer in the 1950s and has been a ring official for more than 40 years.
The Bonteheuwel-based official says that while boxing may be different from when he started, the Cape Town talent he gets to watch regularly still finds ways to impress him and keep his love for the sport alive.
Veteran praises rising boxing talent
“The boxing talent coming out of the Western Cape is doing very well. The fighters need to stay focused, work hard, train hard, and listen to their trainers,” said Van der Ross.
The veteran ring official shared his thoughts at the recent Fight Island event, where local star Khaya Mlata captured the WBC International Silver title, adding it to the WBC Youth World Championship.
‘Talent needs discipline to succeed’
He stressed that the current crop of fighters simply need discipline, as they have the talent to succeed in the ring.
His perspective comes from a lifetime spent around a sport that has changed considerably since he first stepped into the gym as a youngster.
Although the challenges facing today’s boxers may differ from those of his era, Van der Ross says the progress being made in Western Cape boxing is encouraging.
Buntu Gotywa
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