Local boxer becomes the reigning champ

Entering the ring as the challenger, Shaun Potgieter faced off against SA and ABU heavyweight champion Keaton Gomes and emerged victorious.

Potgieter, who trains at Dowerglen-based Trinity Boxing Strength and Conditioning, has trained with Danie du Preez for the past two and a half years.

He also trains with Gert Strydom at Fourway’s Pound For Pound Fitness Gym.

The Brakpan resident is now the new SA heavyweight champion.

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“Training with Danie, he has made me cry, sweat and bleed, but it has all been worth it,” said an elated Potgieter.

He said winning the title was unbelievable and has broadened his horizon.

“The SA titles are just the beginning, we plan on defending this belt as often as possible,” said an equally excited Du Preez.

Potgieter said talks are already in motion for a possible fight overseas.

At 36 years old, Potgieter stands at 1.94m tall and has a record of 9-1. He started showing an interest in amateur boxing when he was 10 years old.

“My late father got me started in boxing as he was a boxer himself.”

Potgieter explained that while growing up he would watch boxing legends such as Mike Schutte, Corrie Sanders and Gerrie Coetzee take to the ring.

He said what drew him to the heavyweight category was that it included more dominant fighters.

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“It was always a competition of who was bigger and worse than their opponent, just two fighters giving it their all.”

Potgieter said winning this title was a dream come true for him.

“I have always had this dream, this is the same title that Coetzee and Sanders won. It is a part of history that I am now part of too.”

Speaking about his fight Potgieter said the first five rounds were hard. Things got easier after the sixth round.

“Our whole game plan was to take Keaton into deep waters and overwhelm him.”

Potgieter said in the sixth round the tables turned with him lighting up changing the match completely.

“I just went all in, against the odds and stuck to my game plan and it worked out.”

Gomes was taken down by Potgieter in the 11th round of the match.

He said people were stunned. “They didn’t think that I could pull it off.”

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Following the fight, Potgieter said he was taking a few days off to recover before getting back into the gym.

“It is better to stay in shape and stay active than rest for too long and become inactive.”

Advising young boxers hoping to reach their dreams, Potgieter reminded them never to give up.

“When you start something finish it. Your off days are the days that will make you the boxer you become. Don’t sit on the couch, stay active, stay in the gym and keep your faith.”