South Africa, Sept. 3 -- This evening, like dozens before, epitomises the passion and shared experience the sport of boxing ignites in families across the country, and indeed, across townships the length and breadth of the country. However, as you imagine this evening and the impassioned pleas to the television and intense debates following Bungu's TKO loss to the arrogant but talented Brit, you'd be forgiven for imagining men, young and old, oozing testosterone-fuelled rage.

You couldn't be more wrong. My grandmother was the sports matriarch, easing me into a deep and enriching sports culture that saw many a late night glued to the television. It is impossible to recall every occasion. Another, that ended in absolute bliss, was 8 Octobe...