'God-father to many boxers'

Jackie would later take up the role of promoter while Emil found his gift in training and mentoring fighters.

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Western Cape Boxing members, led by Mzoli Tempi, visited his family at home. The words spoken, the stories shared and the fighters who came to pay their respects, all reflected the deep impact Emil had on those around him.

He was more than a trainer but a mentor and for some, even a father figure.

What stands out even more is Emil’s comeback story. His professional boxing career may have been short, partly due to some troubled years in his youth.

But when he veered off course, it was his brother Jackie who reminded him of where he belonged; inside the gym, with the gloves, the pads and the bag.