Red Beast delivers KO in the Bay
Catch all the blows from the uMhlathuze Olympic Style Boxing Organisation's Novice Tournament at the eNseleni Community Hall
THE Red Beast of the Bay drew first blood seconds into his first heavy weight boxing match, before delivering his rival an epic knock-out punch through the ropes in 1.37 minutes flat.
Joshua Pretorius, fresh from the Freddie ‘Rafferty’ Horn Boxing Club, went toe to toe with Sandile Mabuyakhulu of eSikhaleni Club, in the uMhlathuze Olympic Style Boxing Organisation’s Novice Tournament at the eNseleni Community Hall on Saturday.
Pretorius, a well-known Meerensee CPF crime patroller, was reportedly ragged by friends and fellow-responders about fancy footwork and getting ‘KO’ed, after entering the challenge with barely two months of formal training under the belt, but he remained undeterred.
Dubbed the ‘Red Beast’ because of his signature flaming hair and beard, Pretorius good humouredly joked that ‘mortal combat just turned into ‘wortel combat’, and proceeded to bluntly give his opponent carrots without fancy footwork.
Seconds into the first round, Pretorius cornered Mabuyakhulu with a bloody nose, before unceremoniously sending him through the ropes with a flurry of blows.
The exciting event provided an excellent platform for local boxers to test their skills, with six clubs from the district entering pint size fighters from the age of seven up to the final heavy weight fight between Pretorius and Mabuyakhulu.
Rafferty, a former SA Cruiserweight champion, pushed four fighters, including 16-year-old Bianca Nortje, who floored Nokwanda Mbatha of Unizulu twice to a standing ovation.
Nortje won the bout by TKO in the fourth round, despite Mbatha being double her age with a 10kg weight advantage.
Paul Stoltz also went in heavy and won his bout against Sandile Mjadu on a points decision.
Martial artist, Storm Nel, who only recently took up boxing, resisted Siphiwe Biyela with a brave, eventful fight, but lost on a points decision.
Rafferty, who has over 100 fights under the belt of which over 50 was professional, says he is extremely proud of his boxers and pleased for the opportunity to hone their skills and gain experience.
The fighters are already training for the next tournament which will be held in Mtubatuba on 4 February.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
