Undefeated teen boxer aims for more titles

IN RABIE Ridge, where opportunities for young people are scarce, a 14-year-old girl is punching her way to the top.

- VERNA VAN DIEMEN

And behind every jab, hook and uppercut is a coach who spends his own time and money to keep his fighters focused on something bigger than the streets.

Ugat is the reigning Gauteng champion in her weight division, undefeated since she first stepped into the ting.

Last September, she was crowned national champion in the 44-46kg category, adding to her Ekurhuleni and Gauteng titles. She maintained her unbeaten record - 12 bouts, 12 wins -a streak she is determined to protect.

Growing up in a community where teenage temptations like drinking and smoking were common, Kate found boxing as a way to focus her energy on something positive.

“I chose boxing because it was something that could take me away from all these teenage things like drinking, smoking and stuff like that,” she said. “I chose boxing over everything.”

Kate's boxing journey began in 2021, when she was just 11. A friend told her the local boxing club was looking for a female boxer. She had never thrown a punch before, but she didn't hesitate.

“I said, ‘I'm up for the challenge.’ When I walked into the club, I saw everyone boxing and told myself I wanted to be one of them.”

And the rest is history.

Her next competition came the following year - an informal show bout against a boy.

“It was nerve-wracking,” she said with a shy grin. “But I won.”