The Golden Gloves promoted event is set to be broadcast on SuperSport, Channel 209 from 19:00.
The 33-year-old Pieter will face Keanu Koopman, 10 years his junior, in a welterweight bout, with Pieter going into the fight with a record of 2–5–1.
The Middelburg Observer held an exclusive interview with Pieter, “I prayed very hard for this opportunity on such a massive stage. There was no enjoyment in my previous few fights, I wanted to make sure that for this one I came into the ring with the right mentality. I have been training hard and looking forward to the fight.”
Pieter has had immense support from his family in preparation for the fight, with his wife Chantel helping him adhere to a strict diet plan, “Chantel and I have been together for 13 years, she and my son Adrian are the reason I step into the ring, they are the sole reason I pick myself up time and time again. Because of them, I will never give up. It’s very difficult to not spend as much time with Adrian and Chantel as I usually do. Going to the gym for hours on end can be a bit lonely at times, but it is worth it to be able to step into the ring and make my family proud.”
Pieter was not originally a boxer, having begun kickboxing training at the age of six, he would later compete professionally as an MMA fighter in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC).
His last fight in the EFC saw his wife and young son bear witness to Pieter being knocked unconscious while sustaining a broken nose. This led to an important discussion between Pieter and Chantel, which led to his retirement from mixed martial arts combat.
This path led him to begin his foray into boxing, a sport with a wider appeal and avenue for income, in addition to better safety precautions.
He started his own gym, Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies Middelburg, where he strived to share his knowledge with trainees of all ages.
A number of his students have won awards at prestigious events such as the South African Kickboxing Association National Championships.
Pieter’s career has seen him travel often, taking part in fights in Swaziland and Canada, however, he is immensely proud to call Middelburg his home.
