“Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca: A Tale of Perseverance, Resilience, and the Power of Community”

4 mins read
boxing perseverance

Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca is a South African boxer with an unwavering dedication to the sport. From modest beginnings, he has achieved international recognition, winning numerous championship belts. However, in 2018 he was shot in the leg, leading him to face the possibility that his time in the ring may be limited. Vukile found comfort in coaching and gradually regained his strength, choosing to stage a comeback. He is now scheduled to face Bryan Mercado in a WBC International title match in Mexico, and the Cape Town community is rallying behind him to help make his dream a reality.

The Birth of a Boxing Obsession

From the sandy roads of East London to the vibrant core of Cape Town, Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca’s story is one of unwavering dedication and a testament to the unyielding spirit of a genuine champion. This exceptional South African boxer has climbed from modest beginnings to achieve international recognition in the realm of boxing. As Vukile gets ready for a much-awaited WBC International title bout in Mexico, we explore his life, his challenges, and the role of community in shaping his extraordinary journey.

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Vukile’s fascination with boxing began at the young age of eight. Initially, it was a harmless childhood hobby, but the sport swiftly consumed him, evolving into a relentless passion that would change the course of his life. In the following years, Vukile committed himself entirely to the quest for excellence in the ring. His unwavering devotion to the sport earned him the nickname ‘Old Bones,’ a moniker that would stay with him throughout his distinguished career.

The Ascent of a Champion

From 2009 to 2018, Vukile’s star kept rising as he accumulated an impressive array of championship belts. His triumphs include titles such as WBF All African, IBO Intercontinental, WBA, International WBF world title, and IBF International. As his career soared, Vukile sought to use his success as a means for personal development and to make a positive impact on his local South African community. However, destiny had other ideas.

Facing Adversity

In 2018, disaster struck when Vukile was shot in the leg at his Khayelitsha residence. The event plunged him into a period of uncertainty, pushing him to face the possibility that his time in the boxing ring may be limited. The thought of not being able to walk again and reshaping his life’s direction weighed heavily on Vukile’s mind.

Discovering a New Mission

As he wrestled with the emotional chaos of his situation, Vukile found comfort in coaching. He started mentoring children and adults at the gym, helping cultivate the upcoming generation of boxing talent. With the unwavering encouragement of PFA co-owner Mike Mouneimne, Vukile embarked on a journey of self-discovery and recovery. He gradually regained his strength and, in an incredible display of resilience, chose to stage a comeback.

The Journey to Mexico

Vukile’s story now leads him to Mexico, where he is scheduled to face Bryan Mercado in a highly anticipated WBC International title match on October 20th in Fresnillo, Mexico City. This forthcoming contest represents not only a significant landmark in his career but also an opportunity for Vukile to showcase his unbreakable spirit to the world.

A Rallying Cry

The Cape Town community plays a crucial part in Vukile’s journey. Our local hero needs the backing of his fellow South Africans to help him achieve his dream of competing in Mexico and delivering the fight of his life. Proceeds raised will contribute towards covering travel and visa expenses, gear, nutrition and supplementation, as well as physio treatments to ensure that his leg is in optimal condition.

To support Vukile, please make a donation to the following account:

Pride Fighting Academy
FNB cheque acc no: 62181941488
Branch code: 250655
Reference: Old Bones

All donations will remain anonymous. You can follow Vukile and his journey by following PFA and Vukile himself on Instagram.

As Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca prepares to embark on the latest chapter of his awe-inspiring journey, his story serves as a potent reminder of our capacity to overcome adversity. When the dust settles on October 20th in Fresnillo, Mexico City, one thing is certain: Vukile Magwaca will have left an enduring imprint on the hearts and minds of boxing fans worldwide.

1. Who is Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca?

Vukile ‘Old Bones’ Magwaca is a South African boxer who has achieved international recognition, winning numerous championship belts.

2. What is Vukile’s story?

Vukile’s story is one of unwavering dedication and a testament to the unyielding spirit of a genuine champion. His fascination with boxing began at the young age of eight, and he committed himself entirely to the quest for excellence in the ring. From 2009 to 2018, Vukile’s star kept rising as he accumulated an impressive array of championship belts. In 2018, disaster struck when Vukile was shot in the leg at his Khayelitsha residence, but he found comfort in coaching and gradually regained his strength, choosing to stage a comeback.

3. What happened to Vukile in 2018?

In 2018, Vukile was shot in the leg at his Khayelitsha residence, leading him to face the possibility that his time in the boxing ring may be limited.

4. What did Vukile do after his injury?

Vukile found comfort in coaching and started mentoring children and adults at the gym, helping cultivate the upcoming generation of boxing talent. He gradually regained his strength and chose to stage a comeback.

5. What is Vukile’s next fight?

Vukile is scheduled to face Bryan Mercado in a highly anticipated WBC International title match on October 20th in Fresnillo, Mexico City.

6. How can the community support Vukile?

The Cape Town community can support Vukile by making a donation to Pride Fighting Academy’s FNB cheque account, which will contribute towards covering Vukile’s travel and visa expenses, gear, nutrition and supplementation, as well as physio treatments to ensure that his leg is in optimal condition.

7. What will donations towards Vukile’s journey contribute to?

Donations towards Vukile’s journey will contribute towards covering Vukile’s travel and visa expenses, gear, nutrition and supplementation, as well as physio treatments to ensure that his leg is in optimal condition.

8. Where can I follow Vukile’s journey?

You can follow Vukile and his journey by following PFA and Vukile himself on Instagram.

Tumi Makgale is a Cape Town-based journalist whose crisp reportage on the city’s booming green-tech scene is regularly featured in the Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. Born and raised in Gugulethu, she still spends Saturdays bargaining for snoek at the harbour with her gogo, a ritual that keeps her rooted in the rhythms of the Cape while she tracks the continent’s next clean-energy breakthroughs.

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