Local boxing boytjie makes it big
Krugersdorp's Ryno sends Russian boxer packing.
Local boxer Ryno Liebenberg’s whole world changed after the Krugersdorp born and bred international boxing sensation defeated Russian boxer Denis Grachev.
A bloody fight it was, almost resembling the movie Rocky IV where Rocky defeats Ivan Drago, an immensely muscular six-foot-five fighter from the Soviet Union.
The fight that assured Liebenberg a six-digit pay cheque took place at Emperors Palace 9 August and gave boxing fans who watched the fight from the ringside and on their television screens an excellent show.
According to boxing promoters Golden Gloves the two waged the best fight seen on South African soil this year, tearing away at each other in way that had spectators roaring.
Liebenberg went a long way to prove that he can box when required. He worked a ramrod jab all night, showed patience and accuracy and landed the heavier blows, not least a cracking short left hook, in an absorbing contest.
Grachev came at him hard and fast, but the cleaner, more effective work was carried out by the Krugersdorp boxer who extended his unbeaten record to 16 fights.
Judge Lateef Muiss of Nigeria scored the fight 120-108, South African Judge Joe Chaane scored it 117-111 and Kevin Scott from the US returned a card of 116-112.
Although both fighters were cut and shed some blood early – Liebenberg over the right eye in the first round, and Grachev high on the head in the fourth round – it never seemed to hamper their ambitions.
Liebenberg later said the cut had troubled him, but he simply dealt with it as an occupational hazard.
“Tough, tough guy,” he said of Grachev, who easily is the hardest fighter he has fought. “He’s a real warrior.”
Promoter Rodney Berman was delighted.
“This fight was important for SA boxing,” he said.
Big things now await the popular Krugersdorp fighter. The local sensation has been swamped with interviews from national and international media since his victory, and the news has fallen in line to hear more about his future plans and how he feels after winning the biggest fight of his life.
Related articles:
• Ryno in top shape for biggest fight of his life
• Liebenberg prepares for war with Russian
