Former boxer signs with EFC
Former world middleweight boxing champion Ruben Groenewald has signed with EFC Africa on a six-match contract.
The 37-year-old, who will compete in the light heavyweight division, is scheduled to make his MMA debut in February.
Groenewald’s conversion from the ring to the hexagon arrives in the aftermath of the Boksburg fighter’s apparent spat with former Boxing South Africa (BSA) acting CEO Loyiso Mtya.
Groenewald claims his boxing career was jeopardised when certain offers he received for international bouts were not sanctioned.
Asked about his switch from boxing to MMA, the orthodox fighter said his aim is to reach the top, and he didn’t pass up the chance of taking a dig at his former employers.
“My aim is to win all my fights, and once my six fights are done, we’ll take it from there,” he said.
” I’m training hard and training well. Who knows, maybe a title fight could soon be on the cards if I do well. I’m going to take it fight by fight, because every fight in MMA can be the last – just like in boxing.
“My boxing experience will help me a lot – I go into the MMA with that advantage. I’m not underestimating any fighter – I’m just training hard.
“The EFC is a great organisation – they put the athletes first and it pays very well.
“They’re very professional.”
Groenwald’s last appearance in the ring was in 2012, against Harry Simon, in Namibia.
Mtya could not be reached for comment regarding Groenewald’s claims in the last two weeks, while the BSA does not want to comment as an organisation. – @SabeloBoksburg
