The story of boxer Derrick Phetoe

There were the great, and the greatest. And then there were those who moulded their success. The history of boxing is very rich and littered with inspirational stories. Yet so little has been told.

It is an honour for me, today, to tell the story of Derrick Phetoe for reasons to be apparent at a later stage. Phetoe’s boxing ambition was cut short under circumstances that forced him to make a choice between a teaching career and professional boxing.

That day, an education inspector informed him that he could not be a teacher and a boxer at the same time because “his hands would be too heavy”, which posed a threat of injury to school children, under a system of corporal punishment.

That, coupled with what Phetoe believes to have been an unfortunate “lack of family support”, spelled the end of his career in the ring. Nonetheless, he cites Thomas “Homicide” Sithebe — whom he faced on three occasions — to have been the toughest opponent he came across.

Through determination, Phetoe continued his involvement in boxing as a coach and trainer. This change of course introduced into the limelight one of the most underrated but exceptional boxers in the form of Bushy “The Ripper” Mosoeu.

Many will remember that Mosoeu faced Brian Mitchell in June 1986, hardly a year after Mitchell tragically “outboxed” Jacob Morake in November 1985, and the latter passing away because of head injuries.

Mosoeu remains one of the few boxers to go the full 12 rounds with Mitchell, including Morake, Jim McDonnell and Jim McDonnell. Phetoe recollects that at the time “virtually nobody wanted to face Mitchell”. That Mosoeu overcame this terrifying factor and went on to give Mitchell a run for his money is evident that the young man was an exceptional prospect.

“Brian was exposed” recalls Phetoe. “I still believe that Bushy should have been given an opportunity for an international title bout,” he adds. Nonetheless, Mitchell went of to face Alfredo Layne in his next match and emerged as the WBA World Super Featherweight champion.

But then again this is not only the story of Phetoe or Mosoeu. It is the story of Blackburn Boxing Club located at the time in Zone 3, Meadowlands, under the guidance of the late Job Sebalo.

Phetoe fondly remembers how stablemate and renowned champion Arthur “The Fighting Prince” Mayisela was poached by a promoter named Marcus Nkosi. Although a sad consequence of boxing politics it is further proof that Blackburn Boxing Club housed unbelievable talent.

While writing this piece I came to the realisation that Phetoe has always been more than an uncle to me, he has been a role model I almost forgot. I would like to pay my sincere gratitude to his life, achievements and inspirational character.

PS: I would also like to pay tribute to the late “Uncle Farley” of Jeppestown in Johannesburg. I will always remember all the boxing stories he so passionately shared. May his soul rest in peace.