Parkrand’s ‘Feralspunky’ Mkhwanazi makes explosive mark in bare-knuckle debut

Parkrand’s Godfrey “Feralspunky” Mkhwanazi has added another standout victory to his growing combat résumé, this time in his bare-knuckle fighting debut, where he stopped opponent Vincent Nakana.

The bout formed part of Bareknuckle Africa, a new promotion spearheaded by Tommy “The Farmer” Strydom and hosted at Truth Night Club in Midrand. Strydom, who boasts an impressive record in the Bare Knuckle Championships in the US, launched the event to grow the sport locally and identify South African athletes capable of breaking onto the international stage. His promotion is only the second of its kind in the country.

Mkhwanazi faced Nakana, who fights out of Mamelodi Warriors in Pretoria, in a 70kg catchweight contest.

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When the referee waved off the fight, even Mkhwanazi admitted he didn’t expect the ending to come so quickly.

“I wouldn’t say I hit him hard, it must have just landed in the right spot. I felt confident going in, but when the ref stopped the fight, there was a sense of relief knowing I backed myself.”

Although bare-knuckle fighting carries its own dangers, he stuck to familiar fundamentals.

“The only real difference for me was being cautious about not throwing full force because of the risk of breaking my hand. Otherwise, it felt like a boxing match. I focused on my basics.”

He said his entire camp revolved around sharpening his striking.

“I worked hard with my coaches to make sure my combos were correct and my accuracy was sharp. In the end, it was the simple jab-cross, the first two punches any beginner learns, that carried me.”
But mentally, he said, the lead-up was the biggest test.

“Right before the fight, getting my mindset right was the hardest part. My mental toughness comes from training. I trust my team and the world-class work we put in. If those boxes are ticked, I can take on anyone on any night.”

He credited his corner for keeping him composed under pressure.

“My head coach, Ferdinand Bason, is rarely wrong, and my boxing coach, Tshepo Mzozo, keeps my hands sharp and my mind focused even in the heat of the moment.”

For Mkhwanazi, stepping into a new combat code was about passion and proving himself.

“My message, and I hope my performance showed it, is that I do this for the love of the game. Whether it’s MMA, bare-knuckle or Muay Thai, I aim to be one of the best fighters in the world. I enjoy any fight, and making a mark in an upcoming sport means a lot.”

Also Read: ‘Feralspunky’ claims victory at EFC 129

As for whether fans will see him again in the bare-knuckle pit, that decision rests with his coach.

“I wouldn’t mind doing another, but my heart and my long-term goals lie in MMA. That’s where I feel comfortable in every aspect.”