By Daniel Nhakaniso
Zimbabwe-born British boxing cult hero Derek Chisora has backed his nephew Jermaine Dhliwayo to follow in his footsteps after he made a winning start to his professional boxing career last week.
Dhliwayo made a winning start to his professional boxing career with a unanimous points decision victory against Nicaraguan Engel Gomez in a lightweight bout at the O2 Arena in London last Saturday.
It was a memorable night for 22-year-old Dhliwayo as he had the honour of making his professional debut on the same bill as his famous uncle.
While Chisora hogged all the limelight after his dominant win against rival Joe Joyce in a fiery all-British heavyweight clash, it was also a night to remember for young Dhliwayo as he made a big leap in his fledgling career.
Dhliwayo gave the boxing world a glimpse of what’s to come with a convincing victory as he dominated his fight against Gomez from start to finish.
Chisora posted a heartfelt congratulatory message on his young nephew on X soon after his fight.
“A dominant win on professional debut. 1-0 for my nephew Jermaine. This is just the start. Uncle Derek approves as do the whole family 🤝🫡 #warchisora,” Chisora said.
Prior to making his professional debut Dhliwayo enjoyed a successful amateur career with the London based St Pancras ABC Boxing Club.
The highlight of his amateur career came when he was crowned London champion two years in a row.
Now the 22-year-old lightweight is ready to take the next step and will be hoping to kick on after passing his first test against Gomez.
Ahead of his debut pro bout Dhliwayo revealed his much it meant to him make his professional debut on the same bill as his uncle Chisora.
“It’s something that I have been dreaming of since I was a baby,” Dhliwayo told BoxNation.
“To be able to fight on his [Chisora] undercard has been one of my goals, to finally reach that stage is honestly magnificent.
“I’ve been going to his fights since I was about four years old and I kept saying I wanted to be a boxer, and now years later here I am.”