Ultimate Dirty Boxing to Host Women's Evening in Support of Combating Menstrual Poverty

As Women's Month is celebrated in South Africa, activists state that there is little to celebrate because women continue to face gender-based violence, femicide, poverty, and insecurity, nearly nine months after gender-based violence was classified as a national disaster.

The organization Abahlali baseMjondolo emphasized that poor women, especially those living in slum camps, are forced to support their families independently despite the lack of adequate housing, basic services, and a sense of security. The organization stated: 'This is not a month of celebration. No woman in South Africa is free. All women are at risk of violence. Poor women remain deeply oppressed.'

Abahlali reported that women in informal settlements can be in danger simply trying to access basic services, with some having to go to communal taps after dark. The movement noted that 'for millions of poor women in shacks, tin houses, and backyards, every day is a struggle for survival.'

Sabrina Walter, founder of Women For Change, also criticized the government's response to gender-based violence, noting that the urgency promised to women upon declaring a national disaster on December 19, 2025, has not led to tangible action. Walter stated: 'Nine months. Nine months since South African women were promised urgency. Nine months since families believed that perhaps finally, women and children would receive attention.'

She added that Women For Change had received no significant public updates on what had been implemented since the disaster declaration, with the only national acknowledgment being a 27-second mention during the State Address. Walter's concern intensified after visiting the national conference on gender-based violence, which was supposed to be opened by the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. 'She never showed up, and I couldn't help but wonder: if the minister responsible for leading the response to a national disaster cannot even speak to those working on the front lines, then where are we as a country?' she said.

These statements came as Abahlali uses Women's Month to honor the memory of activists killed while fighting for land, housing, justice, and dignity. Among them is 17-year-old Ngobile Nzusa, who was killed by a police officer during a road blockade in Cato Crest on September 30, 2013. According to Abahlali, Nzusa, a high school student, joined a protest against attacks on land occupation in Marikana in Cato Manor and was dedicated to the fight for land.

The movement also paid tribute to Thuli Ndlovu, an Abahlali leader in KwaNdengezi, who fought for her community's land, housing, and dignity before being killed on September 27, 2014. Nokutula Mabaso, mother, organizer, and leader of the eKhenana commune and the Abahlali Women's League, who was killed on May 5, 2022, while her community was under attack, was also remembered. Abahlali noted: 'Thuli and Nokutula were leaders. We also honor other women who gave their lives in the fight for justice.'

The organization also expressed respect for Fikile Ntshangase, a leading member of the Mfolozi Environmental Justice Organization, who campaigned against coal mining and was killed on October 22, 2020. Furthermore, Babita Deokaran, a whistleblower from the Gauteng Department of Health who exposed corruption and alleged theft of public funds intended for hospitals and clinics, was killed in 2021.

Walter stated that the deaths of women and girls continue to demonstrate the devastating consequences of a system that, according to activists, fails to protect vulnerable people. 'Meanwhile, women keep dying. Nomzila. Palesa. Entle. Chilkana. On the first day of Women's Month—Timing. A woman who could live today if the system hadn't let her down,' she said.

Walter mentioned Timing, who had previously reported violence and against whom a case was filed against the alleged aggressor, who was later granted bail. She was allegedly killed a few days later. 'How many more names must we name before action replaces promises?' Walter asked.

Abahlali insists that meaningful recognition for women must go beyond political speeches and flowers, instead demanding safe access to land and decent housing, basic services, an end to political killings and intimidation, and more decisive action against gender-based violence. The organization also called for decent work, healthcare and education, reproductive health and contraception, guaranteed income recognizing unpaid care, measures to reduce food prices, and accountability for activist murders.

Abahlali stressed: 'We are not interested in politics that come with speeches and flowers and say nothing about the oppression we live in, and nothing about our leaders who gave their lives fighting this oppression.'

Walter warned that Women's Day should not become another symbolic event while families mourn. 'Women's Day cannot be another day of flowers, hashtags, and speeches while women continue to bury their daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends.'

Abahlali also cautioned against attempts to pit poor women in South Africa against migrants and refugees, asserting that the real problems for poor communities are lack of land, unemployment, and state neglect. The movement stated that cases related to activist murders must not be forgotten or closed without holding perpetrators accountable. 'Poor women are not asking to be celebrated. We demand safety, housing, to be heard, to live,' Abahlali concluded.

Despite the concerns, Walter maintained hope through the women she met throughout her life who continue to fight violence and oppression. 'No matter how heavy my heart is today, I refuse to lose hope,' she said. She noted that the strength of women lies not in being 'indestructible,' but in their ability to recover and support each other.

Abahlali concluded that Women's Month should be a period of remembrance, organization, and struggle until women can live safely and with dignity. 'Until that happens, August cannot be a month of celebration. It must be a month of remembrance, a month of organization, a month of struggle,' the organization stated.

The Professional Fighting Championship (PFC) tournament presented many bright moments, from intense mixed discipline fights to knockouts and even a marriage proposal. One of the most discussed events of the evening was Luca Morris' defeat to Ansel Kellerman in the PFC title bout (U/55kg) by unanimous decision.

Last weekend, the PFC tournament took place at Wolraad Woltemade Primary School in Botasig—one of Cape Town's favorite promotional organizations. This event revived old traditions, providing a platform for young and ambitious boxers and kickboxers from across the African continent who wished to hone their skills.

Although this venue was smaller compared to larger arenas like SunExhibits in GrandWest Casino, it created a more intense and intimate atmosphere. Over 600 people attended the school, eager for spectacular chaos and action.

An atmosphere of nostalgia was present, as participants from the local boxing scene supported one of the oldest brands. This was an acknowledgment of the legacy built by Auntie Alice, Uncle Neville, and Angelo Addinall's son over many years, creating a family community and a platform for fighters.

PFC met expectations by staging a show for 34 athletes and their devoted fans. The atmosphere in the school hall was electric and thunderous due to the shouts, taunts, and mood reflected off the walls, prompting athletes and corner teams to perform even more.

The Climax of the Evening

The evening reached a new level when Nico Etzebet, Eben's cousin, touched the hearts of the fans by proposing to his girlfriend right in the ring after defeating Ntseko Malangu by referee decision in the U/90kg fights. At that moment, a crowd gathered in the hall celebrating an important achievement for the fighter who received permission to 'put on a ring.'

Special mention should be made of the DRC fans, who brought soul and songs from the upper tier of the audience, which turned out to be a real VIP area. Fans flocked upstairs to get the best view of the evening. Their support became a reason for PFC to continue holding events in this special place.

The DRC fans showed whom they supported by raising their flag with a yellow five-pointed star from the gallery, shouting 'Bomae' in support of compatriot Jonathan Kabongo during his fight against Jordan Le Roux. In the end, Le Roux won by split decision after Kabongo was penalized two points for clinching/holding.

The Main Bout

The main bout featured Liam Pirmain defending the PFC heavyweight title (U/120kg) against the experienced and calculated Brendan Milton from Ferreira Boxing. Milton successfully closed the distance for most of the fight, closing in and trying to unbalance Pirmain and neutralize his power by starting dirty boxing.

Milton used a defensive tactic, slowly closing the distance, trying to provoke Pirmain before choosing his strikes and counterattacking when Pirmain unleashed his attacks, while also working on the champion's body. It was a smart plan against a man the size of Pirmain, who initially relied on his long reach and powerful jab, and then on a strong right hook.

Pirmain eventually managed to change the course of the game by mixing head and body shots, which paid off. Although he did not use more angles, which could have helped him even better, this speaks to Pirmain's unrealized potential as he continues to refine his skills. After five rounds, Pirmain won, successfully defending his title by unanimous decision.

This fight attracted the attention of one of Africa's rising martial arts stars—Hervé Zeng from the DRC, who closely watched the bout and expressed a desire to fight Pirmain in the future. Zeng is a star of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the current Barebones MC Heavyweight MMA champion, training at CDS MMA in Windhoek and based in Cape Town, training at PFA in the Mother City.

The well-rounded athlete spoke with Pirmain, who acknowledged the DRC athlete. There was an exchange of mutual respect between the two athletes, after which they took a photo before parting. Although a future meeting would require negotiations, this moment testifies to the growing amateur scene in African combat sports, where athletes from across the continent express a desire to compete against each other. The bout between the PFC boxing champion and the Barebones MC Heavyweight MMA champion has all the potential to become a super fight for many reasons and positively affects the promotion of all involved brands, which is good for the growth of combat sports in Africa.

In the co-main event of the evening, Nick Loubscher secured a sweet victory, stopping Rian Rousseau with a knockout in the second round after a deadly knee strike to the liver, winning the K1 Super-Am (U/57kg) title. Loubscher, known for his unorthodox style, fast footwork, and quick counters, challenged Rousseau from Go For Broke, who played a key role in making the fight exciting, as both athletes provided action, satisfying the crowd of 600 people.

As the fight progressed, Loubscher, encouraged by the PFC 'home crowd,' increased his volume and counterattacks, adding sharpness to his attack, especially when Rousseau was in a defensive position. This ultimately led to Loubscher being over his opponent, who fell to the canvas and leaned on the ropes, fighting for the chance to get up, while the first shouted 'Get up,' before the referee intervened to declare the victory and conclude the evening for Loubscher.

Despite some controversial decisions on this evening, as happens at many events, overall it was a win for the sport, as a platform was provided for athletes, coaches, officials, media, organizers, fans, parents, friends, and all involved people to develop for the better.

Special thanks are extended to Luhan de Nisschen, Zidaan Jacobs, Zoe Konradi, and Miel Hermans, who stepped into the ring and demonstrated unparalleled courage in their junior bouts. Regardless of the results, these young people are absolute winners and will continue to grow as individuals, using combat sports as a foundation for their lives.

PFC 2026 Results:

In the U/55kg fights, Ansel Kellerman defeated Luca Morris by unanimous decision in the PFC title bout. In women's boxing, the victory went to the women, which was a great way to mark Women's Day. Among other results: Liam Pirmain defeated Brendan Milton by unanimous decision, defending his PFC heavyweight title. Nick Loubscher defeated Rian Rousseau by knockout in the second round, winning the K1 Super-Am title. In the U/90kg fight, Nico Etzebet defeated Ntseko Malangu by referee decision.