Spin Doctor vs Scottish African to face each other in second edition boxing match

The glamorous launch for the second edition of the most anticipated boxing event between celebrities, Sportland BOXOP took place at Wat Swaai Jy car dealership in Waterkloof Glen in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Well-known boxing ring announcer Shane “Duke” Wellington was present to introduce the second edition’s competitors.

“Ladies and gentleman, our first fighter is rock royalty. He stands at 1.79m tall and weighs in at 75kg, introducing Ross Learmonth.

“And now introducing his opponent, the comedian known for the energy he brings to the stage standing at 1.76m and weighing at 78.5kg, fighting from Cape Town, Kevin Fraser,” announced Wellington.

Asking how their training was going, Fraser laughed, saying that in Cape Town things were a bit slower.

“I take my training very seriously as I start my training at 11:00. If you can survive the training, then hopefully I will survive the fight. Training hours are long and you do need to put in the effort,” he said.

Learmonth said that boxing for him was a tricky sport and not one that he was particularly clued up on.

“I have been a travelling musician for 20 years, but when I was asked whether I would be willing to compete, my lifestyle completely changed, which is a good thing. No more potato chips on the couch.

“I am excited to learn more about the sport,” he said.

Wellington asked the fighters to explain their strategy and their fighting style.

“Try not to get punched in the face, but also at the same time to enjoy it,” the musician said.

Fraser said, “Hopefully, as I land my jokes in comedy, I won’t fall flat on my face at BOXOP.”

The boxers said that getting beaten up was not something new to them.

“Every time we go to a platform someone was beat up or I was beat up,” said Learmonth.

Fraser, who grew up in Durban but stayed in Benoni for some time, said: “I’m holding on to that”.

Is there something that these two dislike about each other?

“I am trying to find something about Kevin I dislike. But then a mate of mine would say something about him and I am finding it hard to not like him. At the end of the day, we are going to get into the ring and we will give it our best shot.”

Adding to Learmonth’s comment, Fraser said that he loves Prime Circle, and will have to listen to some of their songs to hopefully make him like the band less.

Any “fight names” in mind?

Fraser said he will go into the ring as the “Spin Doctor” while Learmonth will take to the ring as the “Scottish African”.

Former South African netball star, Vanes-Mari du Toit, who was the MC at the first BOXOP launch, once again took to the stage on Tuesday.

Former Mr South Africa, John Owens, South African singer, Kurt Darren, South African actress, Angelique Gerber, former South African rugby player, Wynand Olivier and radio personality, Martin Bester were some of the celebrities who also attended the launch.

Get your R150 live stream ticket from www.itickets.co.za and witness the answer for yourself on Saturday, November 6.

A limited number of reserved VIP in-person-attendance tickets are available at R2 000 per person, also available at www.itickets.co.za

Competition: Sportland BOXOP offers readers of each of Rekord’s publications a chance to win five tickets (R150 per ticket) to live stream the event and enjoy all the action in the comfort of their own homes.

Closing date to enter the competition, is on Thursday, October 28.

Comedy versus rock; celebs to face each other in second edition boxing match

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