Defending kickboxing champion loses title fight
Into the first minute of the second round of the five-round match, a new South African titleholder was announced after a seasoned kickboxer was kicked to the canvas.
It was a five-round kickboxing fight to see who would be crowned the South African Lightweight champion, but a new titleholder was announced after the first minute of the second round.
Eugene van der Merwe (18) of the Mile High Kickboxing Gym in Randfontein stripped the defending champion Jeremiah Jet Lee Makhetha (35) from the Krugersdorp Kickboxing Club of the title during a professional kickboxing fight.
The fight was part of the South African Professional Martial Arts Commission (Sapmac) 1st challenge that took place on 27 July. Nine other fights took place at the event at Silverstar Casino but the fight between Eugene and Jeremiah probably was the highlight of the evening.
Both fighters started the encounter without showing any signs of their nerves getting the better of them.
“I trained really hard to take that title away from Jeremiah tonight. I want that title and will not stop unless I have done so,” says Eugene.
Jeremiah, who dedicated the fight to his daughter Teboho (10) said that he would put in everything to make her proud.
During the fight Jeremiah brimmed with confidence, however this could have cost him his title because Eugene managed to beat him in the first minute into the second round, sending Jeremiah to the canvass for the third and final time. Eugene was awarded the win by technical knock-out.
“When I realised that I had the title in my pocket, I almost started crying as it was such a wonderful feeling. My mother Cheryl and father Cobus, who were watching the fight with family and friends, shed tears of happiness.”
Jeremiah admitted that he may have underestimated Eugene and is planning to fight him for his title again next year.
“As he had said to me that he was not going to hand me back the title on a platter, I sshall be making it difficult for him as well,” says Eugene, who considers Jeremiah a competitive fighter.
Eugene had told the NEWS before that he trained hard not only to make his shihan, Henk Pelser proud but it also was a way to thank him for his efforts with his kickboxing career.
Henk says he is proud of his student, especially since he managed to beat a seasoned fighter like Jeremiah.
“It was a wonderful moment for me, especially considering Eugene’s age.”
