GEORGE NEWS - Karyn Aspeling (36), a George-based amateur boxer, entrepreneur and content creator known on TikTok as SwartOog, has secured her second consecutive victory in the women's amateur featherweight boxing division at an Ultimate Glove Circle (UGC) South Africa event.
Aspeling claimed this win during the tournament held at Presleys in Boksburg on Saturday 20 June, continuing an unbeaten start to her boxing career.
The nickname 'SwartOog' was given to her by her father during her school years because of her distinctive thick eyeliner. She jokingly said she was most certainly her father's naughtiest child.
Today, this George resident has built a growing online following with whom she shares her entrepreneurial journey, personal development and experiences in the boxing ring.
For Aspeling, however, boxing is about far more than collecting victories.
MUST - Karyn Aspeling celebrates her victory with her medal after winning her bout in the women’s amateur division at the UGC South Africa event in Boksburg on Saturday 20 June. Photo: Supplied
"I do not step into the ring to prove that I'm better than anyone else - I step into the ring to prove that I'm stronger than the person I was yesterday," she said.
Training under Sors Grobbelaar at Team Guru, Aspeling views the sport as a pathway to self-discovery, discipline and personal growth. She hopes to compete for and win title fights in the future, but says her greatest ambition extends beyond sporting success.
Karyn Aspeling receives advice from her corner between rounds during her winning bout at the UGC South Africa event. Photo: Supplied
In an interview with George Herald, Aspeling said she wanted to inspire hope and confidence in women.
Aspeling took up boxing as a means of healing, personal growth and rebuilding her confidence.
"Besides getting fit and learning a new skill, it gave me the confidence I needed," she said.
Aspeling also uses her platform to raise awareness about issues such as mental health, gender-based violence and child abuse.
The event formed part of UGC South Africa, a white-collar boxing exhibition platform established in 2024, where amateur fighters from various backgrounds compete after undergoing training, with events aimed at promoting personal growth, mental resilience and awareness of social causes.
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