Bonteheuwel’s Frederick van der Ross received a long-service award from Boxing South Africa (BSA) for his contribution to Western Cape Boxing, in Ottery, on Friday, August 30.
During a night filled with three championship fights hosted by Jackie Brice Boxing Promotions and David Faas Boxing Productions at Vibrant Sports Studios, BSA recognised Van Der Ross for his contribution to the sport over four decades.
At 84 years old, Mr Van Der Ross can still be seen on the sidelines of fights, monitoring referees and keeping an eye on proceedings.
“I really appreciate it, I can’t complain,” said Van Der Ross about getting the award.
“I have been a boxing official since 1984. I am now 84 years old. I am with my colleagues here. I enjoy the boxing because I am passionate about the sport,” he said.
The down-to-earth Uncle Fred said he is a father of five boys and two daughters.
As a child, he was often spotted by his grandparents at Kraaifontein’s community rugby club, Hands and Hearts.
Before the boxing bug bit him, Van Der Ross trained in karate and judo in the 1950s.
He said in 1964 he was the only coloured person to practise boxing in Nyanga East.
He said his long boxing career has been wonderful.
“I really enjoyed it. We once had tournaments where I was the only official and I had to do all the fights. I even got to do kickboxing, refereeing, too, the promoter was Steve Kalakoda. Very nice gentleman.
“Otherwise I am still well. All my colleagues are gone. Howard Goldberg is still with us, we are coming from a long journey,” said Van Der Ross.
BSA Western Cape manager, Mzoli Tempi said it was an honour to hand over the award to Van Der Ross.
“He has served boxing for so long. When he started, they were getting nothing. Not even one cent. They had to buy Sunlight to wash their shirts. It’s new that they are getting something, even now, what they are getting, it’s still not enough. The award I gave him, it’s something that came from the heart, to say let us recognise him while he is still alive.”
