BOXING SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES HOME FIRST AFRICAN FEMAMLE WBC CHAMPION BERNICE FERREIRA

The cheers, embraces and South African flags said it all
as historic world champion Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira arrived home at OR Tambo
International Airport on the 17 August 2026 to a warm and emotional welcome from
her family, loved ones, members of Boxing South Africa (BSA), the BSA Women in
Boxing Committee and supporters of the sport.
Ferreira’s homecoming was more than the arrival of a champion. It was a celebration
of a woman who has carried the hopes of all female boxers in South Africa onto the
international stage and returned home.

The atmosphere at OR Tambo was filled with pride as family and loved ones gathered
to welcome Ferreira back to the country following her historic WBC world title victory
against Canada’s Caroline Veyre which took place on 15 August in Atlanta, Unted
States of America (USA). The celebration also brought together representatives of
Boxing South Africa and the BSA Women in Boxing Committee, underlining the
significance of the achievement for the growth and visibility of women’s boxing in
South Africa.

Ferreira’s journey has become an important part of the story of South African women’s
boxing. Earlier this year, BSA described her world-title success as a reflection of the
growing strength and potential of women in the sport.
For Boxing South Africa, her latest achievement represents more than an individual
victory.It is a moment that belongs to the boxer, her family, her team and the wider boxing
fraternity.

BSA Chairperson Ms Ayanda Khumalo said Ferreira’s achievement was a source of
immense pride for the organisation and the country.
“It is a very special day for not only South African boxing but women in boxing as well.
Bernice has not only returned home as a world champion; she has returned home
having made history and having shown what is possible when talent, courage,
discipline and determination come together. We are incredibly proud of her.”
Khumalo further added that Ferreira’s achievement carries particular significance for
young women watching her journey.

“For every young girl who dreams of stepping into a boxing ring, Bernice’s story says:
believe in yourself, work hard and never allow anyone to tell you that your dreams are
too big. Her victory is a victory for South African boxing, but it is also a powerful
message to the next generation of women who want to find their place in this sport.”
The presence of the Women in Boxing Committee at the airport further reflected the
importance of Ferreira’s achievement within the broader development of women’s
boxing.

Rina Subotzky Jude, Chairperson of BSA’s Women in Boxing Committee and a
longstanding advocate for women’s participation and development in boxing, said
Ferreira’s achievement was a moment that should be celebrated across the entire
boxing community and the country.