It was a five-round kickboxing fight to see who would be crowned the South African Lightweight Muay Thai champion, but a new titleholder was announced after the first minute of the second round.
Eugene van der Merwe (18) of the Mile High Kickboxing Gym in Randfontein, stripped the defending champion Jeremiah “Jet Lee” Makhetha (35) of the Krugersdorp Kickboxing Club of the title during the professional kickboxing fight.
The fight was part of the South African Professional Martial Arts Commission 1st challenge. Nine other fights took place at the event at Silverstar Casino, but the fight between Van der Merwe and Makhetha was the highlight of the evening.
Both fighters began without showing any signs of their nerves getting the better of them.
“I trained really hard to take that title away from Jeremiah tonight. I wanted that title and will not stop unless I have done so,” said Van der Merwe.
Makhetha, who dedicated the fight to his daughter Teboho, said that he would put in everything to make her proud. During the fight Makhetha was brimming with confidence, however this could have cost him his title because Van der Merwe sent Makhetha to the canvas for the third and final time in the second round. Van der Merwe was awarded the win by technical knock-out.
“When I realised that I had the title in my pocket, I almost started crying as it was such a wonderful feeling,” said Van der Merwe
“My mother Cheryl and father Cobus, who were watching the fight with family and friends, shed tears of happiness.”
Makhetha admitted that he may have underestimated Van der Merwe and is planning to fight him for his title again next year.
“As he had said to me that he was not going to hand me back the title on a platter, I shall be making it difficult for him as well,” said Van der Merwe, who considers Makhetha a competitive fighter.
Van der Merwe said he trained hard not only to make his coach Henk Pelser proud but it was also a way to thank him for his efforts with his kickboxing career.
Pelser said he was proud of his student, especially since he managed to beat a seasoned fighter like Makhetha.
“It was a wonderful moment for me, especially considering Van der Merwe’s age,” said Pelser
