Manenberg boxing star Wassim Chellan is back in action next month after a long layoff.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Manenberg boxing star, Wassim Chellan, says with conviction that he should, by now, at least have contended for the South African Welterweight title.
The opportunity he believes was unjustly snatched away a year ago when he ended up embarking on his maiden fight outside SA's borders.
That journey was a high-stakes clash against an undefeated Adel El Gaarmaoui in Germany for the IBO international and WBF World titles.
That would mark his first professional defeat.
While a blemish on his record, Chellan refuses to allow it to define his journey. He frames it as a necessary lesson in his “quest to greatness".
The loss, he insists, has only sharpened his determination. He’s back, ready to reclaim his rightful place in the domestic boxing landscape.
Saturday April 19 marks his return to familiar territory, nearly a year after his last ring dance. This time around, he will have the benefit of cheers from a home crowd.
Siphenathi Qampi will be the man across from him in the Jack Brice Promotions clash.
This is a fight Chellan will be looking to use to make another statement. He currently has a pro record of 8-1 with three stoppages under his name.
“Hopefully after this one will be challenging for SA title which I was mandatory for anyway,” said Chellan.
“But it was wrong the time and (wrong) place so I have to go and take care of this one and challenge soon,” he adds.
Despite the title opportunity not coming sooner, he does not let it frustrate him and understands that composure is a key ingredient in the game he is in.
To claim ranking status that will put him more in line to challenge for other major titles, he understands the importance of activity.
“Hopefully I will get a better world ranking and get back into contention in bigger organisations and take it from there,” he said.
He says he looks beyond his immediate challenge as he has already made his presence felt on home soil.
Fighting in front of familiar faces is the fuel he needs to get back to the winning column.
The German defeat has yielded invaluable experience. He learned the harsh lessons of the international stage and the nature of the sport at its highest level.
“My first loss didn't really affect me that much because I went out there to try something that would enhance my career. Unfortunately, on that night it just didn't work out.
"I didn't take it (the loss) hard because I tried to achieve something the majority of people are not able to do,” he said.
He says he took the lessons, processed the pain and emerged a more seasoned fighter than before. He now will be able to bring the lessons of international exposure with him to his next bout.
Chellan invites people who would like to support in sponsorship in his next fight to contact him on 08 334 75728.
Wassim Chellan with his corner team Emil Brice and Mzonke Fana.
Image: Buntu Gotywa