This ref loves the game

This ref loves the game Tsabalala says boxing is part of him Ricky Tsbalala believes that fitness in the ring can make or break a man officiating a boxing bout. Well-known in the boxing circles, referee/judge Ricky Tshabalala says despite refereeing being risky at times, he is still passionate about what he does.

Speaking to Namibian Sun recently, Tshababala said there is always a good chance that a referee can receive a punch from a boxer.

“Being a referee is a big risk, because you can be punched at times so as a referee you must always know how control the fight and ensure that you are protected and also look out for the safety of the boxer,” he said.

Tsabalala narrated how he was punched during a fight he was refereeing in Omuthiya in 2012.

“I was once punched, almost out but I controlled the fight very well and also controlled myself, because I received a very hard punch in my stomach but I did not show that the boxer hit me and continued with my job,” he said.

He mentioned it is important that the referee is also fit and receives refereeing training.

“As a referee one needs to be fit and have a very good focus and you also needs some fitness training because you will be moving around in the ring so there is a need of high concentration,” he said.

Also being a judge, Tshabalala stated that when one is judging, “you do not need to take any boxer''s side.”

“You first need to make sure that you are not on any boxer''s side so that you can make some judgements and be able to watch the clear punches, clear body punches and head punches, and always score the clear punches only,” he said.

He explained that a boxer picks more points from the body and head punches and not punches that lends on the hands.



Background

Growing up in Arandis, Tshabalala started boxing in 1984 and retired as a boxer in 1994.

“After independence and at my age, I thought it is the right time to retire from boxing and because I already had the experience, I thought let me not stop because I love boxing and it''s a sport close to my heart so that is why I turned to refereeing,” he said.

He explained that before joining professional boxing refereeing he was first an amateur referee.

“I was a former boxer, a former national champion so that is how I learned boxing and I started being a referee in 2004.

“I went for the WBO refereeing course in 2007 but my first training was in 2004 for the professional,” he said.

Although only involved in boxing as a referee, he also trains for his fitness.

“Right now I only go for fitness training but I do not train anyone because it is not allowed if you are a referee to train boxers,” he said.

Tshabalala also mentioned that he is happy with the progress being made in boxing.

“Boxing in the country is growing, so we also need more referees and judges to go for training so that we can have a lot of them in the country.

“If we do the right thing then boxing in the country can thrive but if we are not then we will not go anywhere,” he said.

The referee/judge also took time to congratulate Namibia''s new world champion Julius ''Blue Machine'' Indongo.

He was pleased with how Indongo executed his punch that is still all the talk in boxing circles.

“He caught him very well and the good thing is he made sure they do not go as far as 12 rounds. I am happy and proud of what he has done.

“Julius must proceed like that and not think he is there yet because now he that is a world champion must work even harder,” he said.



KAINO NGHITONGO