The struggle to walk away from professional boxing

By Daniele D’Alessio

FOR some professional boxers, hanging up their gloves is one of the hardest decisions of their life. The adrenaline that comes with fighting an opponent under the bright lights while a crowd cheers you on, is addictive.

It’s something you can’t replicate in the mundane life of a civilian. Fighting ‘mano a mano’ is the pinnacle of masculinity. It is a form of competition dating back to the Roman times, where instead of leather being exchanged, it was sharp metal.

Thankfully, civilisation has brought an end to the fatalities associated with such combat. But that doesn’t mean there is no risk when choosing to enter the squared circle. The more punishment you take, the greater the chances of suffering serious problems in later life. 

What’s fascinating are those who have accomplished great things in the sport yet still can’t let it go. It’s like boxing is all they know and without the sweet science, they are just a watered-down version of themselves. 

One boxer who has experienced more than most is David Rajuili. The South African has competed in his native land as well as in Holland, Slovenia, France, Germany, and Denmark, and he has also captured the African lightweight title. However, Rajuili has suffered four losses in his last four fights. And at the age of 35, no one would blame the warrior for retiring.

“I handed my resignation to the fighting gods and they sent it back,” Rajuili told Boxing News Online.

“My family and I still feel there are a lot of fights left in me. I’m a big dreamer. I take the opportunities as they come. I fight for what I believe in. I said I was going to stop but now I’m back. The calls just keep coming.

“I’m a fighter. I am this guy on the road from South Africa. I’ve been fighting since I was eight years old and I’m still carrying on. The nice thing is I have my family with me. My son and my daughter are with me during training camp. And they will be walking me out to the fight in Denmark.”

On October 5, Rajuili will enter the lion’s den once again when he challenges the unbeaten home fighter, Elias Idrissi. Idrissi is 21 years old and has a record of five wins with three knockouts.

“It’s always very good to get called back and get back in the ring. I got a call because of the people’s demand in Denmark and from the promoter TK Promotions. I gave them a good fight against Anthony Yigit. A lot of people saw that as a draw or going my way. It was a close fight and I won the hearts of the fans.

“Also, to headline an event in Europe. That on its own is a great achievement coming from South Africa and I’m going to do my best when headlining one of the biggest events this year in Denmark. I’m very excited.” 

Rajuili was brutally knocked out in his last fight against another young prospect, Alaa Al Mahmoud, who landed a sickening body shot in the second round.  The South African fought at a career heaviest weight of 148 lbs against the naturally bigger Al Mahmoud. 

After taking such punishment, Rajuili’s inner circle have voiced their concerns about his future health. But like a gladiator in the Colosseum, he refuses to yield.

Rajuili continued: “I get that a lot. One of my coaches, Dominic, still helps me out. But he also begs me ‘Please, you know it’s time to hang up the gloves.’ I say to people the time will come. It’s a journey I’m riding. It’s my journey and my story.

“I am very grateful for people having that concern. It’s better to have people who are concerned about you than people who don’t care. I feel blessed to have those voices.

“Still, I’m not out here looking for fights or knocking on doors. I’ve worked very hard to get to this position where the phone is ringing and the promoters are phoning me. I will ride this wave as best and as safe as I can. I will train hard. I know what I need to do.”

By his own admission, Rajuili accepts he is a journeyman at this stage of his career. However, he continues to aim for a major upset in every bout so he can gain the opportunity to fight on increasingly bigger platforms all over the world. 

“I’m honest with myself. I’m 35 and I turn 36 next year in February. These guys I’m fighting are 21, and 20 years old. The promoters are real with me. They tell me ‘I need you to test my guys.’ I’m not just fighting the boxer. I’m fighting a lot of other things too.

“If it makes sense and the money is right I’ll keep fighting because I earn quite nicely for six and eight rounds. For me, it’s about fighting to cause an upset. If I cause an upset I’ll just get a call for an even bigger fight. That’s the real truth.

“I never came into boxing thinking I would be a world champion. It was never my dream. Hard work gave me my WBF titles. Right now the biggest achievement for me in the boxing world would be to fight in Riyadh Season.”

It’s easy to look at a fighter’s record and criticise their shortcomings. But the reality is many professional boxers will spend their entire careers competing on small hall shows, earning little to no money from the sport.  

Rajuili is an example of a fighter who has done things the hard way, yet continues to provide a good life to his family with the help of boxing. 

“I had a dream as a little kid when I was running in South Africa to be out here fighting in big events. Being ready to help my family while they watch me fight, really keeps me going. Even when my daughter sees me and I’m not fighting, she will remind me that I’m a fighter. 

“Everybody dreams in this world. You can accomplish your dreams through hard work and just believing and not losing faith. No matter where you are, whatever your circumstances, by pushing through.

“These are the kinds of things I will teach my kids and the people around me. I think that’s what carries my support from South Africa. The people see that we as South Africans never give up, we keep going no matter the obstacles or the journey.”