The 31-year-old Smash, is ranked fourth in the world in her weight division, and has been waiting for two years for a fight of this magnitude to present itself.

Simangele Hadebe, better known as Smash, has been biding her time and putting in the hard work in a no-frills boxing gym in the south of Johannesburg. 

Smash has been able to keep herself in fighting shape for some two years while she has waited for her big break, which fell through a few times, before this latest title shot in Mexico in April, “I have had an IBF intercontinental title shot that fell through with Sanchez she was supposed to come here and I’ve had the WBC also with Gomez that didn't come through almost two years but now I am glad it doesn't matter where I am fighting I will be fighting in Mexico in her hometown with her own title challenging and she will be defending I am looking sharp and I am excited for this opportunity.”

Smash is ranked number one in Africa, and fourth in the world. She spars against men in order to maintain her high levels and hopes she can make a difference in the sport for all female boxers in SA,“ all the work I have put in all the sparring partners I have been sparring with sequins my main sparring partner I have had some rounds with Nontshinga I had some rounds with Cafu also Mufasa it has been good sparring I like sparring guys and bringing back the title will put us on the map as a female boxer also it will create other opportunities for female boxers in SA.”

--ChannelAfrica--