Man who experienced xenophobia in SA uses boxing as a form of therapy
“I never knew fighting could be used for good."
Joel Liborte, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, had a difficult childhood.
Not only did he witness military and gang violence before he could even walk, but his family had to constantly be on the move.
The family then moved to South Africa where again he faced difficulties - xenophobia.
Joel then turned to boxing as a form of therapy.
“I never knew fighting could be used for good,” Liborte told Beautiful News.
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One of the ways that boxing helped him was to develop his character and confidence.
“Boxing teaches you self-expression,” Liborte told the publication.
He adds that people should never fight others in the street.
“I would never combat in the streets,” he says. “But in the ring, I can let loose,” he told the publication.
Joel says he has now found a home in South Africa.
“I am very grateful for finding this family in South Africa,” he told the publication.
Joel's next goal is to take to the international boxing stage, where he hopes to be able to spread his message.
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Image courtesy of Beautiful News.