Benoni local chases her dreams until they become reality
Welthagen has been working hard with her team and is hoping to get her amateur licence within the next year, so she can work up to going pro.
Recently winning her first white collar fight, former Miss Benoni 2016 Victoria Welthagen is ready for this year and is looking forward to where her boxing will take her.
“I loved every moment of being in the ring. I was so happy with the outcome of my first fight,” she said. “In white collars, there are no winners, but getting a KO (knockout) in the first round at my first fight was a moment I will never forget.”
Welthagen fought against Nicole Bessick (The Bone Collector), who is a well-known mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.
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“She has many years of experience, including a background in grappling, boxing and MMA,” explained Welthagen.
“She has also fought multiple fights.”
Welthagen’s typical day of training starts from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Thursday and on Friday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
“Every Saturday all the fighters and pros get together to spar,” she said.
“I do strength and conditioning one to two times a week and occasionally do some extra training with my cousin. A session usually consists of a lot of cardio, working with my coach on pads, technical sparing and bag work. In addition to this, we all do many exercises to improve muscle groups that assist us in boxing, and I have also started running again.”
Welthagen said she hasn’t been challenged by any fighters since December, but she is hoping to have a match soon.
“There is something in the works for a new match for me,” she said.
“But in the meantime, I have fought mainly in-house. I have fought two female fighters, one amateur fighter and a professional boxer, both have been fighting since they were children.”
Welthagen has been working hard with her team and is hoping to get her amateur licence within the next year, so she can work up to going pro.
“I am so happy the team is growing and we have other female fighters,” she said.
“My fighting is improving and I am way more confident since my first fight. There is a lot my coaches are working on with me and implementing to improve my fighting. Jesse and Tyron pay attention to detail when it comes to training and fighting.”
Welthagen wants to fight in a lighter weight division, which means healthy eating is back on track.
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“I am so blessed to have everyone’s full support,” she said.
“I lost weight last year and strive to drop to 65kg to fight in a lighter weight division this year.”
Recently, martial fitness gym Junkyard MMA and Urban Shack have merged to become a Benoni family.
“I have trained once before with coach Ferdie,” said Welthagen.
“It is an honour to have his experience and expertise added to our team. It also adds another coach to my corner when I fight, which is very exciting.
“Jesse and the team have become like family and my fighting has become a way of life. I hope to inspire others to take on new challenges and to prove that anything is impossible with enough heart and determination.
“My family is very supportive and is backing me through my journey. I thank my mom and dad for encouraging me to strive for my dreams from the moment I was born.
“A quote I live by is: ‘Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire, if it is your dream then don’t let anyone stop from doing what you love’.”
