by Ronnie Nathanielsz



The father of South African female boxer, a 31-year-old welterweight Phindile Mwelase who died after being in a coma for two weeks at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria following a 6th round knockout loss in a scheduled eight round bout against Liz Butler on October 10, had pleaded with his daughter to quit the sport.

Boxing writer Bongani Magasela of Sowetan Live quoted Mwelase’s younger sister Delowaziyo, who said their father had “always told Phindile to stop this boxing thing. She did not stop because she liked her boxing.”

Mwelase underwent surgery to stem bleeding on the brain after being knocked out by Butler who had a record of 2-2-2 with 2 knockouts while Phindile, the eldest of five sisters had a record of 0-2 with 1 draw.

Magasela reported that Phindile worked for a construction company when she was not in the boxing ring.

"She did men's work, breaking down walls. She is tough and she promised to win the fight on Friday."

Phindile, who will turn 31 on Monday, started boxing in 2007.