Boksburg fighter Shannon van Tonder is bracing for battle as he takes on fellow South African Asiashu Tshitamba in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa season two opener at the Sunbet Arena on April 10.

The bantamweight showcase bout forms part of a stacked card headlined by champion Nkosi ‘King’ Ndebele, who defends his crown against Italy’s Michele ‘The Arrow’ Clemente. In the co-main event, heavyweights Justin Clarke and Abdoulaye Kane are set to collide.

Both Van Tonder and Tshitamba enter the bout with a point to prove, following narrow split-decision defeats to Goule Godogo and Karim Henniene, respectively, in their last PFL outing. But the Boksburg fighter is confident his well-rounded skillset will tilt the scales in his favour.

“I’m happy with how the training has been going. No injuries – this camp was all about going 15 minutes hard. My opponent is an extremely tough veteran of the African MMA scene, so be ready for a three-round war,” said Van Tonder.

With a solid 7-3 professional record, the 30-year-old holds a slight edge over Tshitamba (6-5) and will look to capitalise on his strengths in both striking and grappling.

Known for his clinical submissions – particularly his rear-naked chokes – Van Tonder has vowed to bring intensity and entertainment when he steps into the cage.

“I will go out there and leave it all in the cage. The truth is, motivation fades, but that’s where discipline shows up. It’s best to take it one fight at a time, but on April 10, I’m expecting an intense striking chess match,” he said.

Anticipating a tactical yet explosive encounter, Van Tonder believes the clash of styles – kickboxing versus Muay Thai – will deliver fireworks.

“It’s going to be an all-out war. I’m looking to beat my opponent at his own game. Get your tickets – I’ll see you at Sunbet Arena on April 10.”

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