Mbombela’s own Grootwit to take on Piston in ultimate African championship slapdown
Grootwit has the utmost respect for Piston, but said he will do his Lowveld fans proud with a victory on fight night.
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The Lowveld’s own Jaco ‘Grootwit’ Marneweck will face the biggest challenge of his slap fighting career when he takes on Tjaart ‘Piston’ Kruger from Klerksdorp at the SunBet Arena, Times Square, in Tshwane on October 10.
The two will face off for the vacant Ultimate Slap Fight African Championship super-heavyweight title. The title fight was announced on August 10.
Grootwit is the reigning Punisher Slap Fighting South African super-heavyweight champion and has a record of one loss and one win. He is training intensely for the fight. “I train twice a day, firstly every morning with my personal trainer, Wessel Odendaal, for body mass and weight training, as well as stretch bands and body movement practices. After that, it’s session two – straight to the bagwork, where I practise my klappe and stance,” said Grootwit.
“Since starting with Wessel at Fit-X, I have gained body mass of 15kg of pure natural muscles and my body fat percentage has dropped from 26% to 20%. My current weight is 175kg and my goal is 190kg, which I will reach before January 2025 with Wessel’s help.”
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Grootwit has been noticed as a slap fighter and has been signed by legendary Barbertonian promoter Thinus Strydom. “I have joined Thinus and Eric Strydom of World Sport Promotions, and they are managing all my fight negotiations, business and promotion deals.”
The big Lowvelder has the greatest respect for Piston, but will be ready for him come fight night. “Piston is an all-out great and funny guy, always full of jokes. But he is also a great slap fighter, and I know he is going to be a hard opponent.”
Grootwit has had brilliant home support for his first two fights, both of which took place at Mustangs – The Dancing Place. “It’s my first away fight. I think it’s going to be a huge event at the SunBet Arena as 2 000 people are expected. It’s the first ever African super-heavyweight title fight ever and I would love to take a bus with fans there and back. We are looking for a sponsor for a ‘Grootwit bus’, and if there is anyone willing to join this adventure, please contact me. The whole of the Lowveld is backing and supporting me – let’s win this title together.”
Grootwit can be contacted on 076 077 7339.