Young gladiators are ready
LINDEN – Local boxers are preparing for what is being described as one of the best fight night in SA this year.
Six boxers from Alan Toweel Boxing Gym in Linden are preparing for what will possibly be the toughest Young Gladiators tournament yet.
The ninth edition of the tournament will see six professional fights across the weight spectrum at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre on 31 March. The main bout will be a title defence between Toweel’s undefeated Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi (World Boxing Association Pan-African cruiserweight title holder) and Maroy ‘The Buffalo’ Sadiki of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sadiki is much more experienced, having fought 18 fights as opposed to Phuzi’s seven. Sadiki also has an excellent record with 15 wins and a draw. “His record does not matter to me, I will definitely win,” said Phuzi during training.
“I won’t predict a knockout but I will still work him very hard. He can try connect [his punches] but he won’t.”
The main supporting bout is between Toweel’s Justice ‘Venda Viper’ Siliga, the number-one ranked South African heavyweight, and Joshua Pretorius, who is ranked second.
“I feel good but I expect a tough fight,” said Siliga, adding that he plans to go the whole eight rounds if needed.
The boxers’ coach, Alan Toweel described the tournament as promising to be one of the best boxing tournaments of the year for South Africa.
“There are a lot of great boxers as well as some up-and-coming guys who are desperate to prove themselves,” he said.
“We are pushing endurance, technique and power for all the boxers going into this.”
Toweel’s other boxers with fights at the event include lightweight Tshifhiwa Munyai, junior lightweight Sifiso Hlongwane, junior middleweight Nkhensahosi ‘James’ Makondo and heavyweight Wilhelm ‘Dragon’ Nebe.
The tournament kicks off at 1.30pm and Toweel said anyone interested in buying tickets can contact him.
Details: Alan Toweel 083 555 4634.
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