In the world of boxing, every fighter’s journey is unique, but for one South African athlete, Asemhle Sentile, an unexpected turn brought new purpose.

After a knee injury ended his professional boxing dreams, Sentile, from Town-Two, found a second calling as a ring announcer - a role he now excels in with passion and pride.

The transition wasn’t easy. In 2020, he was a part of South Africa’s squad for the Paris Olympic qualifiers, selected after earning a silver medal at the South African Elite Championships.

However, the pandemic halted plans and in 2021, he turned professional. Just two months later, he suffered a ligament injury that made running impossible.

Lacking funds for surgery, Sentile, from Khayelitsha Boxing Academy, was forced to hang up his gloves.

“I had to stop boxing because I couldn’t run anymore. In December 2021, I attended a fight in Sea Point. The ring announcer got sick and I volunteered. The crowd responded positively, and I realised this was something I enjoyed,” said Sentile.

Encouraged by event organiser Felix Venganayi, and later supported by Boxing South africa’s provincial manager Mzoli Tempi and promoter Jackie Brice, Sentile pursued ring announcing professionally.

“Felix told me to try it professionally, and Jackie believed in me, motivating me every step of the way,” he said.

Sentile’s experience as a boxer profoundly shapes his announcing style.

“I know how it feels when someone announces your name, and the crowd responds. It can boost a boxer’s confidence, like patting them on the back and saying, ‘You’ve got this,’” he said.

A standout moment came during the announcement of Sive Nolawu at the Vibrant Sports Center, on August 3.

Despite Nolawu being the underdog, the announcer’s enthusiasm and detailed introduction transformed the mood in Nolawu’s corner, inspiring confidence that helped him secure a unanimous decision victory.

Two events stand out as the most memorable in his career.

On August 30, he announced Ntombokuqala Tolashe’s historic victory, making her the first SA female boxing champion from the Western Cape.

The second was on September 27, when he worked alongside SABC legends, earning high praise for his performance.

Sentile credits his background for shaping his path. Inspired by his older brother, a boxer, and supported by his family and coach, he balanced boxing with academics, earning a degree in Communications and Psychology from the University of the Western Cape.

“Boxing structured me to be where I am today.”

All smiles, Asemahle Sentile interviews the long-service awardee, Fred Van Der Ross, from Bonteheuwel, alongside the Western Cape boxing manager, Mzoli Tempi. Picture: Lwazi Ngxukumeshe

Ring announcer, Asemahle Sentile on duty at Fight Island at Cabo Beach Club in the V&A Waterfront. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

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A boxer’s journey to ring announcing