Boxing is a combat sport in which two people, usually wearing protective gloves, throw punches at each other for a predetermined amount of time in a boxing ring.
Boxing is overseen by a referee over a series of one- to three-minute intervals called rounds.
The result of a boxing match is decided when an opponent is deemed incapable to continue by a referee, is disqualified for breaking a rule, or resigns by throwing in a towel.
If a fight completes all of its allocated rounds, the victor is determined by judges’ scorecards at the end of the contest.
The Meyerton-born Ruann Visser, also known as ‘The Giant King,’ is the current South African heavyweight boxing champion.
He first made his debut on 24 July in 2014, nearly five years ago, at the age of 23.
Ruann earned the moniker, ‘The Giant King,’ due to his height; standing a frightful 207cm tall.
He fought his most recent affiliated match on April 27 against Madars Trivols in Karlsruhe, Germany – which he won through a technical knock-out.
On June 13, Ruann spent the day sparring with numerous opponents at The Bass Pond, situated betwixt the Seekoeiwater-plots, in preparation for The Battle of the Warriors – where Ruann will be facing off against ‘The Venda Viper,’ better known as Justice Siliga. Justice first debuted on the scene in 2010; and has since worked his way up to ranking third in South Africa for heavyweight boxing.
Justice’s most recent affiliated match was against Joshua Pretorius at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre in Randburg, where Justice walked away victorious due to score difference.
Ruann and Justice will be fighting over the title of South African Heavyweight Champion, as well as the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Pan-African title, at The Battle of the Warriors.
Igor Shevutnutskiyi, one of the men with whom Ruann Visser faced-off during his trip through eMalahleni and sparring at The Bass Pond, will also by vying for a win at The Battle of the Warriors; as he will be testing his mettle against Wikus Ludeke during a four-round heavyweight boxing match closer to the end of the day.