WATCH: First-ever Punisher slap fighting tournament held in Mbombela

A torn bicep prevented a possible slap fighting debut win for Lowvelder Jaco ‘GrootWit’ Marneweck at Mustangs – The Dancing Place on Saturday night.

The Punisher Nelspruit 1 Slap Fighting Tournament was the first ever to be held in the Lowveld.

The capacity crowd went wild when Marneweck made his entrance for the main bout as a rendition of “Next Big Thing”, the theme song of WWE world heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, blasted over the sound system.

His opponent, the undefeated André ‘Dupie’ du Preez, with a record of one fight, one win, won the coin toss and slapped first from the red corner.

Fights were over three rounds (three slaps per competitor with a 30-second break between each), with a sudden-death fourth round should a knock-out not be made in the first three. If a knock-out is not scored on the fourth slap of either fighter, the winner is appointed ‘by decision’ of the match officials. If a fighter flinches on a slap, the slapper will retake the slap.

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Du Preez delivered an accurate first slap, but Marneweck did not seem phased by the blow. Du Preez flinched on Marneweck’s first slap and the Lowvelder was allowed to retake the slap. But Du Preez handled each blow well.

The second round of blows were exchanged, with both fighters absorbing the punishment with ease, but Marneweck grimaced and pointed to his right bicep immediately after he delivered his slap.

The local hero was unable to make his third slap. Marneweck had ripped his right bicep.

Marneweck could not continue, and the referee ruled that the outcome would be decided on a decision, which went Du Preez’s way as he had made one more slap.

It was a harsh way to lose, but Marneweck was proud of his debut.

“I enjoyed my debut, but it took loads of courage. I too was one of those okes always saying it looks easy. It’s tough and stressful, but very enjoyable. Ja, look, as soon as I tore my bicep, I knew it was over. I actually thought I had the win in the bag. If the refs told me on-stage I could continue with my left hand, I would have done that, and probably ended up with a draw or a win. I was shocked at the outcome at first. But a lot goes through your mind on-stage. Mostly I’m disappointed in the fact that the bicep tore. Wish I could have continued,” said the former rugby prop.

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“Dupie broke the guy’s jaw in his previous fight, so he is very tough. He can throw a shot and take one in return easily. I would like to congratulate Dupie on his win. I know this was not the way he would have liked to win, but now it’s 2-0 for you, champ!” said Marneweck.

Du Preez was full of praise for his opponent.

“GrootWit was solid as a rock. With a little bit of training, someone of his size can go very far in this sport. It was not the victory I wanted, but I think we need a Nelspruit fight number 2 for GrootWit and the fans when his arm is ready again,” said Du Preez.

The local hero is also keen to take on Du Preez again.

“A rematch will be put on the table. Myself and Dupie already spoke about it and we both are looking forward to it,” said Marneweck.
Both fighters paid tribute to the capacity audience and venue.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support. It was a very successful night. I think the whole world now knows that GrootWit cannot be moved by a klap,” said Marneweck.

“The Mbombela event was a great success and the people who came to watch made it so. Well done to everyone involved,” said Du Preez.

It is unlikely Marneweck will fight again until later this year.

“My bicep is torn off totally. The recovery will be at least six weeks after my operation. Then only will I be able to start training again. Once I can, I definitely will. I enjoy the sport. With a lot more physical and technical training, I am sure I am going to be one hell of a contender in slap fighting,” he said.

Other results:
• JJ Lampbrecht defeated Wessel Bronkhorst by decision.
• Michael van Loggerenberg defeated Storm Thysse by decision.
• William ‘Painter’ Deacon defeated JC ‘Oom Van’ van Rooyen by decision.
• Marchell van Loggerenberg defeated JJ Labuschagne by KO.
• Danny ‘Bosotter’ Green defeated Nico ‘Equaliser’ Dixon by KO.
• Pieter ‘Bulldog’ Vorster defeated Sheldon Human by KO.
• Edwin Beyers defeated Wikus ‘Cupcake’ Ludick by decision.
• Terrance ‘Looselaw’ Labuschagne defeated Braam ‘Boeta’ Pretorius by KO.
• Tjaart ‘Piston’ Kruger defeated Martin ‘Iceman’ Gerber by KO.

Photos: Mark Kinnear,  Jag Photography and Chelsea Pieterse

This article originally appeared on Lowvelder and was republished with permission.
Read the original article here.