Wilhelm Nebe has won fans in his first two professional bouts by dominating opponents with his 130kg frame‚ but he’s hoping to show brain power in his next scrap on Sunday afternoon.
Nebe‚ who fights on the undercard of stablemate Akani Phuzi’s WBA Pan Africa cruiserweight title defence at the Blairgowrie recreation centre‚ won his first two bouts on first-round knockouts.
The one lasted 24 seconds and the other 1min 17sec for a combined total of 101 seconds — or 56% of one full round.
His bout against Nhlanganipho Gwamanda is scheduled for four rounds.
“I’m really hoping to showcase what I’ve learned in terms of defence‚” Nebe said at a press conference at the Midrand headquarters of tournament sponsor Ubank.
“I want to show I’m not just a wild puncher.”
“Dragon” Nebe has been dubbed Hulksmash by one boxing observer for his destructive style to date‚ but the former rugby player says he wants to display what he calls “a fighting IQ”‚ adding that trainer Alan Toweel junior has worked hard on honing his skills.
Straight after winning his first fight Nebe roared his delight in the ring and then shed tears.
And while he looks like he wants to end each fight as quickly as possible‚ he insists there’s no red mist when he’s in the midst of battle.
“You feel the rush of adrenaline when you walk [to the ring]. It’s a surreal feeling ... I’m calm.
“The decision-making is instantaneous. I never lose control‚ but it’s very close to losing control.
“And when it’s over then it’s blissful‚ this strange calm that drapes over you‚” said Nebe‚ who hails from Potchefstroom.
His opponent‚ who went four rounds against Flo Simba last year‚ has a record of two wins‚ four losses and a draw.
The six-bout tournament promises some interesting action all round.
Phuzi‚ unbeaten in seven fights‚ takes on the more experienced Maroy Sadiki of the DRC‚ with 15 wins‚ two losses and a draw.
In the main undercard bout Justice Siliga‚ the No1 contender in the SA heavyweight rankings‚ takes on No2 contender Josh Pretorius for the right to take on national champion Ruann Visser.
Veteran Tshifhiwa Munyai will want to prove he still has something in the tank in a junior-lightweight eight-rounder against Osgood Kayuni of Malawi.
Sifiso Hlongwane and Mziwodumo Mangxilana‚ who have fought to draws twice before‚ face off for a third time at junior-lightweight.
And junior-middleweight Pieter de Klerk takes on Junior Makondo in the opening bout.
The doors open at 1pm.
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