Titan champion Coxen set for historic two-division fight

Titan Bare Knuckle Welterweight Champion Pietie Coxen is set to return to the ring with a new goal: becoming a double champion.

The Elsburg native, who made history earlier this year, now faces a new challenge following recent changes to the promotion’s weight classes.

Coxen, also known as “Thunder”, originally claimed the promotion’s Middleweight title in April. However, due to a reclassification of the division, his title was later recognised as the Welterweight championship.

This change has now set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between Coxen and Ryan Pretorius, for the Middleweight title, on October 4.

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The reigning homegrown champion first rose to prominence on April 5, becoming the country’s first bare-knuckle fighter to win all four of his matches via knockout on his way to the title.

Following his victory, he dedicated the championship to his father and family.

“The chance to fight for another title in the 84kg weight class is exciting,” Coxen said.

“I have a chance to be a double champion. My mindset is to show my youngsters that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible. It can open big doors for me.”

The MMA fighter and coach has had a standout year. In his last bout, he dropped his opponent once in the first round, and twice more in the second and third rounds, sealing a third-round victory.

Outside the ring Coxen is actively involved in his community, working with schools to teach anti-bullying and self-defence. Several of his students have represented South Africa at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

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Pretorius brings a different kind of challenge.

“Pretorius is a different class, with a different fighting style,” said Coxen.

“I have been training hard between gyms six days a week.”

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coinciding with the fight, Coxen shared a personal dedication.

“I will be dedicating my fight to the ladies fighting breast cancer. I’m going to wear pink in support of the ladies.

“We’ve done muscle and explosive muscle training. It wasn’t hard to pick the weight up. It was fun.

“All eyes will be on October 4 as I embark on the journey to cement my legacy and become a two-division Titan Bare Knuckle champion,” said Coxen.