Thunder promised at EFC 61

After 11 months of no cage action, Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) fighter, Pietie ‘Thunder’ Coxen is ready to get back in action.

Coxen will face Congolese national Tresor Boluwa at EFC 61 to be held at Sun City on Saturday (July 8).

The Elsburg resident said it feels good to be back in action after a long break.

“I was down due to an injury but I am healed and can’t wait to take on my opponent in my first fight in 11 months,” said Coxen.

Coxen was an amateur fighter until he went professional towards the end of 2014.

“I have loved the sport since childhood and started off as an amateur boxer and after watching cage fighting I fell in love with it and became an amateur mixed martial arts fighter,” he said.

“I love this sport because, among other things, it teaches you discipline, self-belief and confidence.”

Coxen is a humble person but he gives fighting his all.

“I always bring everything to a fight and leave nothing behind when I enter the cage,” said Coxen.

“I think that is one of the things that sets me apart from other fighters.

“I am generally a humble man but things change when I am in the cage.”

Coxen told the GCN that he is both excited and nervous about Saturday’s fight.

“I once heard that if you are not nervous before a fight then you are not ready for a fight,” he said.

“So a bit of nerves will do me good.

“Above other emotions, I feel blessed to be able to fight again.

“God has blessed me with another opportunity to showcase my talent and I will put on a good show.”

Coxen’s professional career has seen him win four fights and lose four.

With a good team behind him, Coxen feels ready and well-trained for the fight.

“Charl van Tonder and Neel Mahoney are helping me with wrestling, and JP Kruger is my boxing coach,” said Coxen.

“With all that combination, and the training I have put into preparing, I am ready.

“Boluwa better be ready for war as I am taking the thunder, lightning and storm into the ring.”

The father of two also took time to thank his family for their support.

“Thank you to my wife, Judete, who has been with me in this journey and motivating me all the way,” said Coxen.

“To my sons, Jordan (3) and Juandre (13), daddy loves you and never forget that.

“Another big thank you goes to my coach Kruger and teammates at House of Tinkerbell for preparing me for the fight.”

The local fighter also warned his opponent to be ready for a good fight.

“Boluwa also seems like a humble man and he is good, but at the end of it all, it is a fight to win so let the best man win,” he said.

In other news, the local EFC fighter is also the founder and head coach of Thunder MMA which is a mixed martial arts club that operates in Elsburg.

The club is situated in Parnell Road, Elsburg and practice is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm.