DA mayoral candidate Bosman Grobler will step into the ring against Leon Bosch in a three-round exhibition match on August 29.
Grobler is a Middelburger through and through.
He played barefoot rugby at Laerskool Middelburg and excelled in rugby and athletics at HTS Middelburg.
He and his brother Cobus were also South African cross-country champions.
After school, he studied at Tukkies, captained the Varsity Cup team and then returned to Middelburg to enter the political arena.
Local sporting pedigree tested in exhibition match
While Grobler brings a background in sport and politics, the three two-minute rounds of exhibition boxing present a distinct test.
Leon Bosch, against whom he will exchange blows, hits hard.
Boxers who have sparred against him said his punches feel like a donkey kick.
Questions remain over whether Grobler, with his large frame, will be able to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee like Muhammad Ali?
Exhibition fights typically begin amicably before growing competitive once punches are landed.
Bosch said in a video sent to the Observer that he is ready to alter the Grobler’s appearance ahead of the election.
“Just don’t come late,” he warned.
Packed fight card features title clashes
Main Boxing Promotions is hosting the Bokke & Boxing tournament, which starts at 17:00 at Event City.
The Springboks’ match against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium will be broadcast on a big screen.
- Nyiko Nkuna will box against Peto Kapeto over four rounds in a heavyweight fight.
- Jonathan Sam will take on Danny Ngokwey over four rounds in a cruiserweight fight.
- Khayalethu Gabuza and Pieter de Klerk will box in a super middleweight fight over six rounds.
- Pritchard Dube and Zwelakhe Nhlapo will box in a light heavyweight fight over six rounds.
- Donjuan van Heerden and Alex Kabangu will box in a light heavyweight fight over six rounds.
- Phaphama Rhonorhono will put his South African welterweight title on the line against Jabulani Makhense over 12 rounds.
- Bonginkosi Nhlapo’s WBF light heavyweight title is on the line against Ayana Mthembu over 10 rounds.
