Linda Ximba
South African boxing champion Ronald “King” Malindi doubles up as a taxi driver when he is not training for fights.
The champion is determined to get his own taxi soon. He will achieve that if he defends his SA title against Rofhiwa Nemushungwa at Steve Tshwete Memorial Banquet Hall in Middelburg, Mpumalanga on Friday night.
“I have saved quite a lot. My win against Nemushungwa will add to the money I have. Should I get another title defence before December, I will go to the bank for a loan. I want to be my own boss now,” the boxer said.
For eight years the bantamweight boxer from Venda, Limpopo has spent his time on the road driving passengers around town.
He took on the job as a taxi driver because promoters don’t get him into the ring as often as he would like.
The 26-year-old boxer whose boxing career is guided in Westbury, Joburg by trainer Bernie Pailman, and he drives taxis out of the Helen Joseph Hospital taxi rank.
The jovial Malindi told Scrolla.Africa when he left his home village to seek greener pastures in the city of gold he was not picky about which job he would take.
“I didn’t finish my matric because of personal issues. I saved some money from piece jobs and left to find a job in Jozi,” he said.
“The money I was earning when I started professional boxing also helped. I got a valid driver’s licence and a friend helped me to get a job as a taxi driver.”
He said the job has helped him as he gets paid on Friday and that money helps him take care of things at his rented flat.
The boxer will be making his fourth defence and is undefeated in 18 fights. Nemushungwa has a record of seven wins, four defeats and one draw.
