MBABANE – Eswatini’s most prominent boxer Thabiso Dlamini has announced his intention to retire from the sport after the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Dlamini, a familiar face to boxing fans across the nation, shared his plans during an interview on Eswatini TV’s Tuesday night news bulletin.

He confirmed that the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be his final competitive outing.

Poignantly, this will bring his career full circle, as he made his Commonwealth Games debut in Scotland back in 2014.

On that occasion, the Matsapha Boxing Club pugilist faced a first-round knockout defeat against a Welsh opponent.

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Since his initial appearance in Glasgow in 2014, where he was Eswatini’s sole boxing representative, Dlamini has gone on to compete at the Gold Coast Games in 2018.

“This is going to be my last Commonwealth Games and I am fully focused,” Dlamini declared.

“I will seize the opportunity with both hands should I be given the chance, as I want to make the nation proud.”

He further revealed that his preparations for the Games are geared towards international competition rather than local bouts, as he seeks to hone his skills ahead of next year’s event.

“My experience leads me to believe I will make the nation proud, as the country has invested significantly,” he added.

Dlamini also indicated that his performance in Scotland will be a crucial factor in his decision regarding potential participation in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

CAREER SUMMARY

EARLY LIFE AND INTRODUCTION TO BOXING:

• He was born on May 27, 1993, in Simunye, Eswatini.
• Initially dreamed of being a professional football player.
• His introduction to boxing was somewhat accidental, accompanying a friend to practice where he was encouraged to join.
• Despite an initial struggle, his competitive nature led him to return and develop his skills.

KEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Olympic Games:

• He represented Eswatini at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021), being the first liSwati boxer since Sydney 2000 to do so. He faced Cameroon’s Albert Mengue in his opening bout.
• He was also the flag bearer for Eswatini at the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Commonwealth Games:

 He has represented Eswatini at multiple Commonwealth Games:

• 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games (Isle of Man)
• 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games
• 2018 Melbourne Commonwealth Games
• 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games

African and other international competitions:

• He shot to stardom when he won gold during the Zone VI (now Region V) Games staged here in Eswatini back in 2010.
• 2018 Zone 4 African Boxing Championship (Maputo, Mozambique) – Silver medallist in welterweight.
• 2019 African Qualifiers in Senegal – Reached the quarter-finals.
• Participated in the 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan.
• Has undergone intensive training in Russia through a scholarship from the IBA.

Leadership and advocacy:

• He has been appointed to the BIIU Independent Vetting Panel by the IBA, a significant recognition for an Eswatini athlete. This role involves dealing with ethical and disciplinary issues and eligibility checks within boxing.

(Additional information by Ashmond Nzima)