‘Cassper is next’ — Big Zulu walks away a champ in first boxing match

24 April 2023 - 17:10
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Rapper Big Zulu wins his first boxing match against Brian Dings, right.
Rapper Big Zulu wins his first boxing match against Brian Dings, right.
Image: Supplied by AstroPark Studios

Big Zulu is feeling confident to take on Cassper Nyovest in the ring after winning his first boxing match.

On April 23, the Mali Eningi hit maker got into his first bout hosted by Seconds Out Boxing and Entertainment at AJ'S in The Park, Craighall, Johannesburg against Brian Dings, who is no stranger to the boxing industry.

While the two were meant to fight three rounds, Big Zulu ended up winning by technical knockout in the first round after months of training with SA's first female boxing manager and internationally recognised trainer at Roy Jones Jr and Jodi Solomon Boxing.

“It was nice and easy. I think the guy was scared or still trying to find himself so when I stepped on that ring I did try to jab him. The guy was very heavy. I wanted him to continue so we can fight but one way or another he was going to get a knockout at the end of the day,” Big Zulu told SA Boxing Talk

Brian, who is popularly known for his stint as a bodyguard on Moja Love's reality show Uyajola 9/9, said he felt he did not get a fair match.

“There was no knockout there, and I was up on my feet because I tripped on that bad ring. The referee says it's over, no counting, nothing. All I can say [is] congratulations to Big Zulu, much respect brother we move on. To the referee, next time we need [a] fair match,” he wrote on Instagram.

Rapper Cassper Nyovest addresses Big Zulu after his first fight.
Rapper Cassper Nyovest addresses Big Zulu after his first fight.
Image: Supplied by AstroPark Studios

Cassper Nyovest, who was also at the event, said after witnessing Big Zulu fight he was assured the rapper was not a threat to him, despite his weight, but [he] was busy negotiating other contracts instead. 

“Even after the knockout, I think he is exactly what I thought he would be. A big puncher, always relying on his right. I'm not too concerned about the weight,” he said.

Big Zulu responded by saying that he merely wanted Cassper to set a date for the fight as he was initially preparing to fight him. 

“It would be easy if you can just announce a date and then say whatever else that you want to say,” he said.

Seconds Out Boxing and Entertainment is set to donate all proceedings from Big Zulu's fight to the battle against GBV.

“Seconds Out is a Boxing and Entertainment event whose mission is to create awareness for the fight against gender- based violence. We aim to show that boxing is a sport with rules and regulations and it doesn't condone abuse of any kind. Funds raised from this event will be donated to The Frida Hartley Shelter and Sonke Gender Justice,” director of Seconds Out, Akira Solomon told TshisaLIVE.

Big Zulu celebrates victory, after winning by technical knockout.
Big Zulu celebrates victory, after winning by technical knockout.
Image: Supplied by by Hayden Bruce Jones.


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