By Nangamso Mabindla
14 April 2005

MENTION the words 'boxing' and 'legend' in Mdantsane and every boxing enthusiast will tell you about Nkosana "Happyboy" Mgxaji.

Mgxaji - a former junior lightweight South African champion - entertained local crowds in the late 1970s with skills last seen in former world heavyweight champion Mohammed Ali. But, sadly for Mgxaji the sport did not pay and he now lives in poverty in his home in Mdantsane.

Moved by his plight, local fans decided to hold a benefit at the East London City Hall on Friday, April 15 for Mgxaji and approached local businesses, boxing promoters and the municipality for assistance in setting up the event.

Organiser Smallboy Tyekana says the event aimed to show appreciation for Mgxaji. "It was 'Happyboy' who put us (Mdantsane) on the map and inspired youngsters to take up the sport and make something of their lives." Some of these youngsters, like Welcome "The Hawk" Ncita and Vuyani "The Beast" Bungu, went on to become world champions.

However, fewer young people are taking up boxing, with many turning to more lucrative sports such as rugby, cricket and soccer.

For many boxers, once they retired from the ring they returned to their homes, finding themselves financially strapped.

"We don't want that to happen to 'Happyboy'," said Tyekana. "We want to involve him in boxing and remind him of his worth. We also want to revive the sport in the region."

One of the main aims of the benefit is to start a trust fund for Mgxaji. "We'll get good financial advisors," Tyekana said, adding that the benefit organisers were also looking to open trust funds for other former and current local champions as well.

A moved Mgxaji said he was happy to know people still valued his contribution to boxing. "I thought I was forgotten but now I know people still care about me," he said.

"I feel that boxing still needs me and I'll use this opportunity to plough something back to the sport."