Ballito’s deadly De Beer brothers returned triumphant from national kickboxing and MMA fights and now ready themselves for an international challenge.

Josh (17) and Luke de Beer (15) are a multi-talented, multi-disciplinary fighting duo who have honed their skills under the watchful eye of Warriors Gym owner and former competitive fighter Amanda ‘MadDog’ Lino.

Last time the Courier checked in with them, the brothers were preparing for the SA Kickboxing Championships in Potchefstroom and SA Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championships in Durban.

They did not disappoint on their travels, adding to what is quickly becoming a stacked trophy cabinet.

At the 800-strong Kickboxing Champs, the brothers delivered an almost identical haul, with Josh earning gold in the older junior 65kg category and Luke matching him in the younger junior 81kg division.

They both earned silvers in their respective bounce fight categories too and South African colours in kickboxing for their efforts.

“Watching both Luke and Josh win SA Champs and receive their Protea colours was definitely one of my proudest moments,” said Lino, who has also been selected as the South African junior coach.

“The heights they have achieved in a short amount of time is proof that hard work and dedication will be rewarded.”

Although the junior MMA fraternity is smaller than its kickboxing counterpart, drawing around 300 athletes, the competition was no less intense.

Josh (Youth A, 61.2kgs) was first up and took on a fighter who had recently dropped from a higher weight class, ceding a few kilograms and reach, but certainly not heart.

He went the distance but unfortunately lost on points – later claiming the bronze medal, which was still good enough for a spot on the South African team.

“The competition was very tough and the competitors were very experienced, but that is exactly what we expect when stepping into the ring,” said Josh.

“This is how we bring respect to our opponents in this sport, by giving our best in every bout.”

Luke was up next and delivered a scintillating performance against Jacques Roux, winning with an arm bar to become SA champion in the Youth B
72-77kg division.

“The fights were the hardest I have faced in my life, but we expected nothing less,” said Luke.

Both brothers have confirmed fights in the African MMA Championships in Namibia next week, where they hope to earn crucial experience for the world MMA Championships in Abu Dhabi in August.

Though victory is never certain, it is clear the De Beers have a desire to chase gold and raise South Africa’s profile in the global fighting community.

To do that they will need some help, alongside the rest of the South African MMA team for whom financial support from government is minimal.

A local fundraising golf day will be held at Simbithi on July 4, contact Pieter at 082 897 8411 or at pieter.v@adviceworx.co.za for more information.

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