“Vision gives purpose somewhere to go. It’s the compass that keeps us going in the right direction, the blueprint with which we build tomorrow, today.” – Sheila West
Monica Mkandla, the recently crowned champion of the World Boxing Association Pan Africa Bantamweight, is a 25-year-old Zimbabwean boxer who lives in South Africa.
She began training at the age of 13 and won a total of six gold medals at the Youth Games as a high school student. During her amateur career, she fought 65 fights with 61 victories. Since going pro in 2022, Monica, known as “Savage”, has claimed her sixth win and has an undefeated record.
We wanted to get to know Monica and the drive behind her success.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what ignited your love for boxing.
My name is Monica Mnkandla also known as “Savage” in the ring. l was born and raised in Gwanda, Zimbabwe but currently residing in South Africa.
The funny thing is that l joined boxing as a way to defend myself from the bullying that l was going through in school. l was 13 at the time and little did l know that it would develop into a passion and career path for me with the help of my coach who identified my potential. At the time, my parents did not understand it, especially my mother. But after a while, she gave her blessing after realizing that l was actually good at it.
How do you prepare for a bout and adapt to different opponents?
Firstly, l am always training. When l am set to fight someone, l find out their fighting style by watching their previous matches. l also spar a lot with different people.
Who are some of your biggest influences in the sport?
Laila Ali, daughter of Muhamed Ali, is my greatest inspiration.
How do you handle losses or setbacks in the ring?
After 65 amateur matches, with 61 wins and 5 professional matches with no losses, l realized that l am a sore loser. Therefore, each time l am in the ring, l aim to win by all means.
What would you say is your most memorable match so far and what are your goals and aspirations?
My most memorable match is the title match which l won against a Tanzanian counterpart because it gave me the ABU SADC title. My goals and aspirations are to become a world championship title holder, and l know that through determination and hard work, l will make it happen.
What word of encouragement would you give to young boxers starting out?
Speaking from experience, boxing is a very difficult sport, and l would honestly not advice anyone to join it. But what l know is that hard work, dedication, and focus are required to achieve one’s goals. Aim at something and make sure you achieve what you set out to do no matter how many times you are knocked out.
