The last time East Coast Radio DJ Darren Maule was in a fight it was 1988, and he was taking on a bully behind the shed at Potch Boys High.

While evasive about the outcome, Darren said he is ready for his first-ever major fight at the SMD Muscle Box and Dine tournament in Ballito tomorrow night.

“I plan to apply what I have learnt as an accomplished couch pugilist.”

Reffering to Mohammed Ali’s “Rope a Dope” technique and Mickey Ward’s use of body blows to get the upper hand, Darren said he thinks he just may be able to give himself a slight advantage.

The boxing enthusiast is delighted to have the honour of wearing the same gloves that Francois ‘The White Buffalo’ Botha wore when he fought Sonny Bill Williams.

“I believe some of Sonny Bill’s blood is still on those gloves,” he said.

During the press conference Francois announced that he would be Darren’s mystry opponent. However Darren only laughed and later during our interview he said that he hoped it was not true.

“I’ll be out of here so fast!” said Darren.

But he added that he was not afraid to take some hits.

“The one thing you can count on in boxing is that you will get hit.”

He said he was not worried about losing his good looks in the fight because hey, he’s already in radio.

The event, the brainchild of former boxers Francois ‘The White Buffalo’ Botha and Hardy Mileham, will see no less than eight professional fights as well as two Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights on the card.

Group Director of SMD Shaun Duminy, said they were thrilled to be involved and in doing so “help promote a great sport and bring exposure to our wonderful town”.

Tickets for the night are R600 per person; organizers are able to accommodate up to 10 people per table, which includes a fine dinner.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Francois Botha on buffalostar@mweb.co.za or Hardy Mileham on hardysnr@gmail.com or 079 504 8033 or Brenda Els on 083 780 1953 or brendaels@webmail.co.za Alternatively, tickets can be purchased directly from the SMD Group in Ballito.