Benonians assist at thrilling BoxOp

While at this event, Welthagen ran into her first ever opponent, Nicole “The Bone Collector”, the same opponent she knocked out in the first round at a White Collar event recently.

October 25, 2021

Jemma Pringle 2 minutes read

“I loved every minute of it, it was a different feeling being in the ring and not fighting,” said Welthagen. Photo: Supplied.

Ferdinand Basson (45), owner of two local gyms and an EFC referee, and Victoria Welthagen, Miss Benoni 2016 and a local athlete, recently took part in the BoxOp event as referee and ring girl.

This is SA’s first-ever series of celebrity boxing matches.

This event was a big one, with one major fight standing out for these locals over and above the rest, Francois van Coke (rose to fame as the frontman of South African rock bands Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Kartel) versus Derick Hougaard (a South African professional rugby union player who played for Leicester Tigers, Saracens, and the Blue Bulls).

Ferdinand Basson holding up Francois van Coke’s hand as the winner against Derick Hougaard. Photo: Supplied.

Van Coke won the match and spoke to the Pretoria Rekord after the fight, saying: “The last three months have physically been tough, but being the title-holder of the first edition of the BoxOp event is a special moment.”

Welthagen said: “I work for Opulent Models South Africa under one of the CEOs and MD Johan Ungerer. Opulent sponsors the models for BoxOp.

Opulent sponsored the models for BoxOp and because Victoria Welthagen works for Opulent Models she was made ring girl at the event. Photo: Supplied.

“I loved every minute of it, it was a different feeling being in the ring and not fighting. The energy and excitement, being so close to the ring was such an incredible experience. A highlight for me was opening the main fight between Francois and Derick.

“I had the opportunity to meet both of them and spoke to them about some of their training, which for me as a boxer was inspiring.”

While at this event, Welthagen ran into her first-ever opponent, Nicole “The Bone Collector”, the same opponent she knocked out in the first round at a White Collar event recently.

“We did speak about our fight and we will talk about having another fight next year. I would gladly rematch her on a bigger stage,” she said.

“I have learnt so much from my coaches, Jessie and Ferdie, so being able to see Ferdie in action as a referee at this event only made me feel more honoured to be one of his students. His knowledge and experience showed in the ring as a ref,” she explained.

Ferdinand, or Ferdie as everyone knows him, said the fight between Francois and Derick was quite daunting.

Ferdinand Basson, or Ferdie as everyone knows him, said the fight between Francois and Derick was quite daunting. Photo: Supplied.

“They are non-combat sports athletes and my duty was to let them put on a show within safe and fair confines. Both of the guys were great and gave their all in the match.

“They took this seriously,” he explained.

“I am still working as a referee for various promotions and look forward to the next BoxOp in November.”

Welthagen is hoping to finally have a fight coming up on October 29 and is also looking forward to being ring girl again at the next BoxOp event.

“I don’t know my opponent yet, but I’m very excited to get back into the ring. I feel I have gained experience since my first fight and I’m looking forward to using that in the ring in the future.

“I am also looking forward to the return of Spartan and OCR racing and I am still training with Jessie for next year, as we have some big things planned.“

The next BoxOp will take place on November 6.

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