‘Tinkerbell’ returns against Cleland at EFC 32

Former middleweight title contender JP "Tinkerbell" Kruger will make his return in the hexagon at EFC Africa 32 after a four month absence.

JP Kruger (right) in a match against Donavin Hawkey.

He will take on Liam Cleland at Carnival City on Thursday, August 7.

Tinkerbell’s last appearance was in his title fight against middleweight champion Gareth “Soldierboy” McLellan in March, with Kruger emerging on the wrong side of the result.

The two, who will feature in the event’s main card, will be meeting for the very first time with Kruger admitting to knowing little about his opponent.

Asked about Cleland, Tinkerbell responded: “I’ve never fought him before but his got good ground skills.”

Kruger is in the United States in preparation for the bout having departed on Thursday, July 10.

“I’d like to thank the XKT Pro League for making all this (the trip) possible for me,” he says. – @SabeloBoksburg