James to make boxing debut tonight

James Britz from Witpoortjie Vikings Amateur Boxing Club will be participating in his first professional fight tonight at the Turfontein Racecourse.

He will be facing off against Luvo Ntlebi in the lightweight division.

The 30-year-old started boxing at the age of 12 because his father and grandfather were fans of the sport.

He stopped boxing six years later only to return in 2013 and joined the Vikings.

“I stopped for about nine years because then I had a family. But one day while playing with my children I realized I was unfit because I couldn’t keep up with them. That’s when I decided to return to the gym,” he said.

With fitness in mind, he started training together with his nine-year-old son.

Because of chronic asthma, he could only last three seconds in the ring but after three years he has improved.

“I wanted to prove to him that anything is possible and be a great example to him. That is when I decided to take it further. I registered for my professional license earlier this year and in April the fight was scheduled,” he said.

James has been training six days a week, running 15 kilometres a day and then spending two hours in the boxing club, sparring with Zolani Tete and Tumelo Pedi, who will be headlining tonight’s match.

“Normally I’m nervous before a fight but this time I’m excited. I’m really looking forward to the match and making my family and club proud. I want to show the younger generation that quitting is never an option in life and that anything is possible,” he said.

The event tonight will feature six fights with the main match being Rofhiwe Maemu against Tumelo Pedi for the Featherweight title.

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