These boxing grandmas train harder than you do

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These boxing grandmas train harder than you do

Emil Lendof

featured

Sep 19, 2017

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South African grandmothers, many of whom are over 70, have been training with coach Claude Maphosa and claim they no longer suffer from ailments they had before, and are stronger than ever. The grannies travel from all over Cosmo City for the twice-weekly sessions. Maphosa is planning events in other areas to allow grannies who have been inspired by the story to join in. AFP/Getty Images

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Gladys Ngwenya (center), 77, and Constance Ngubane (right), 79, take part in a “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) training session hosted by the A Team Gym in Cosmo City in Johannesburg. AFP/Getty Images

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77 year-old Gladys Ngwenya (C) prepares to take part in a “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) training session hosted by the A Team Gym in Cosmo City in Johannesburg on September 19,… AFP/Getty Images

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Ngubane spars in the ring as she takes part in a training session. AFP/Getty Images

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77 year-old Gladys Ngwenya (R) and 79 year old Constance Ngubane use a punch bag as they take part in a “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) training session hosted by the A… AFP/Getty Images

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The “Boxing Gogos” warm up. AFP/Getty Images

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The “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) take part in a “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) training session hosted by the A Team Gym in Cosmo City in Johannesburg on September 19, 2017. The grandmothers,… AFP/Getty Images

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Ngubane puts up her dukes. AFP/Getty Images

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The “Boxing Gogos” stretch. AFP/Getty Images

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Gladys Ngwenya gets ready for a Boxing Gogos training session. AFP/Getty Images

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77 year-old Gladys Ngwenya (C) prepare to take part in a “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) training session hosted by the A Team Gym in Cosmo City in Johannesburg on September 19,… AFP/Getty Images

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Coach Claude Maphosa poses for a portrait ring-side after a “Boxing Gogos” session. AFP/Getty Images

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The “Boxing Gogos” throw their fists around. AFP/Getty Images

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The “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) warm up as they take part in a session hosted by the A Team Gym in Cosmo City in Johannesburg on September 19, 2017. The grandmothers,… AFP/Getty Images

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The “Boxing Gogos” (Grannies) warm up as they take part in a session hosted by the A Team Gym in Cosmo City in Johannesburg on September 19, 2017. The grandmothers,… AFP/Getty Images

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Some of the “Boxing Gogos” walk home with one of their grandchildren after a training session. AFP/Getty Images

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Gladys Ngwenya of the “Boxing Gogos” spars with a trainer. AFP/Getty Images

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Ngwenya is given a piece of ginger to eat by trainer Boitumelo Montane before a “Boxing Gogos” session. AFP/Getty Images

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Ngwenya isn’t too sure about that ginger. AFP/Getty Images

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Ngwenya (left) and Constance Ngubane (center) take part in “Boxing Gogos” training. AFP/Getty Images

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Zodwa Thwala (front), 74, spars with trainer Nqobile Khumalo during training. AFP/Getty Images

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Ngwenya (center) and Ngubane (second from right) pray with others before “Boxing Gogos” training. AFP/Getty Images

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