Sawyer ready for EFC Africa 33 showdown
It's a Saturday showdown for Gareth Sawyer.
Benoni will be represented at EFC Africa 33, at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), when local fighter Gareth Sawyer (27) enters the hexagon to do battle against Jason Culverwell in Sawyer’s second professional fight as a mixed martial artist.
Sawyer, a Benoni High School old boy, will go toe-to-toe with the Durbanite and is feeling confident ahead of the fight that will take place on Saturday, August 30.
“I am feeling fitter and stronger than before,” he told the City Times this week.
“I’ve been working a lot on my Ju-Jitsu and my boxing, so I feel like I have more skills this time round.
“I am going up against a much tougher opponent this time so I need to make those skills count,” he added.
Since his last fight at EFC Africa 28, where he defeated Pupanga Tresor, via a TKO two minutes and 28 seconds into round one, the World of Warriors gym fighter has become a proud father to son Raiden.
“A lot has changed since the birth of my son,” Sawyer said.
“It has been tough and there definitely has been no time to party, but I have still managed to get my training in and my girlfriend, Nadine, has been helping out a lot.”
In a previous interview with the City Times, Sawyer said that he believes he is the underdog in the clash with Culverwell — and he still stands by that belief.
“He is from Durban and will have a lot of support there,” he said.
“He also has a lot more fights under his belt than me, and many more years experience in the cage.
“I am not going to put any doubts in my mind though; I still believe I will win.
“I have put in the hard work and that is going to show on Saturday.”
With regards to his opponent’s fighting style, Sawyer commented: “I have watched a couple of his fights.
“He likes his stand-up and is a very tough guy.
“He has fought as a light-heavyweight, so will definitely have plenty of strength.”
Despite this, the Benonian is confident that he will come out on top at the Durban ICC.
“If he wants to stand I’ll stand and trade,”he said.
“I believe I will be fitter and I will definitely be better on the ground.
“Wherever the fight goes I will be confident,” he said.
Sawyer added that he is motivated by his little family and gains inspiration from the saying: “If you are not happy with where you are, then you are not working hard enough.”
He thanked his coaches and sponsors for their solid support of him.
All of Saturday’s bouts will be screened at Ster Kinekor cinemas around the country.
