Graskop’s Golden Gloves, Highlands Boxing Club Triumphs at National Championships

By: De-Shark

Against all odds, two young boxers from the Highlands Boxing Club in Graskop, Mpumalanga, have returned home as champions, each donning a gold medal from the 2026 South African National Boxing Championships held in Cape Town from July 8 to 11.

Arion Fraser (Welterweight) and Dylan Roets (Light Middleweight) proved that grit and determination can outweigh even the toughest obstacles. Representing the Highlands Club, both athletes clinched gold in their respective divisions, earning the coveted title of South African Youth Champion.

For Coach Lance Gibson, this double victory is about more than just medals. “We’re incredibly proud. This is more than 2 gold medals. It’s proof that dedication, community and belief can take kids from Graskop all the way to the top of the podium in South Africa,” he said. “Funding was our biggest hurdle. Getting to nationals isn’t cheap travel, accommodation and kit. We also had to balance school, work and training with limited resources. But the community rallied and the boys showed up every single day. That’s what carried us through.”

Although the club has previously sent teams to the SA Championships, this is the first time Highlands Boxing Club has brought home two national titles in one tournament. “It’s a massive milestone for us,” said Coach Lance, expressing thanks to the Graskop community, families at home and abroad and everyone who supported the journey.

Coach Nicole Fraser, trailblazer as a female coach, described the emotional moment the team arrived back in Graskop. “Watching our two boys return home as South African champions has been one of the proudest moments of my life. These medals are about so much more than winning, they represent hope, hard work and what can be achieved when a community believes in its young people.”

Fraser highlighted the ongoing struggle for funding. “As a community club that relies entirely on donations, every tournament is a challenge. Before the national championships, we had only a few days to raise enough money after expected funding from the department fell through. Seeing our community come together to help these boys made the victory even more special.”

She also spoke of her own journey: “Being a female coach in boxing has also brought its own challenges, but seeing our athletes succeed reminds me that hard work, passion and commitment matter more than anything else.”

For Arion Fraser, the win was hard fought. “The competition this year was tough. I would like to say that we all really appreciate the help and support that everyone gave us along the way,” he said, already looking ahead to represent the nation at the Region 5 Youth Games in Maputo.

Dylan Roets agreed, “It was amazing, all of the best boxers from all over the country were in attendance. I would like to thank all the supporters for helping us through it from the start. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible. We are hoping to be selected to compete in the Region 5 Games happening in Mozambique this December.”

Both coaches encouraged the rest of the team to keep dreaming big. “If Arion and Dylan can do it, so can you. Keep showing up, keep working and keep believing. The gym is open; the opportunity is real. Your time is coming,” said Coach Lance.

Coach Nicole echoed the sentiment, “Success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up every day, working hard, staying disciplined and never giving up. Your time will come if you keep believing in yourself and trust the process.”

With their eyes set on the next qualifiers, development tournaments and the upcoming Region 5 and SANABO Cadet and Junior National Championships, Highlands Boxing Club is determined to keep building a legacy one champion at a time.

“These victories belong to all of us,” said Coach Nicole. “Highlands Boxing Club is growing stronger every year and we believe the best is still to come.”