At 17, Thabang Yantolo already shows the kind of maturity that could take him far in the boxing ring, with a clear understanding that success will require more than talent.

The Khayelitsha Boxing Academy member was among the young fighters who took part in a developmental tournament in Khayelitsha at the weekend, using the opportunity to continue building his experience against fellow boxers.

Having competed at provincial and national level, Yantolo has already gained valuable exposure to the demands of the sport. While turning professional is firmly on his radar, the teenager understands that reaching that level will require patience, hard work and continued development.

For a young boxer training in an academy with limited resources, his outlook also reflects the determination of many young athletes who continue to pursue their goals despite the challenges facing their clubs.

“We need a lot of boxing equipment to help us with our training, but if I can be a champion without that, imagine what we can do. We put a lot of work in already, and the ring is a payoff from our work in the gym,” said Yantolo.

For Yantolo, the journey is still a work in progress. His experience in provincial and national competitions has given him a foundation to build on, but he knows there is more to learn before he can take the next step in his career.

That willingness to keep learning, rather than getting carried away by early achievements or discouraged by setbacks, could prove just as important as his ability inside the ring.