Wilhelm Nebe takes it slow as he knocks out opponents in the first round

Heavyweight knockout artist Wilhelm Nebe (25) may be used to taking his opponents down in the first round but he is taking it easy with his pro boxing career.

The Potchefstroom resident travels to Linden four times a week to train at the Alan Toweel Boxing Gym.

As he progresses to eight-round fights, he will be relocating closer to Linden and his training sessions will intensify.

“When Wilhelm joined me six years ago, he was raw and clumsy, standing 2m tall and weighing 140kg,” explained coach Alan Toweel.

“As I started to coach him once a week, I advised him to go have some amateur fights. All in all, he has had five rounds in the amateur scene, with five first-round knockouts, winning the SA heavyweight amateur title.”

Toweel then advised Nebe to go professional.

In November 2018, as the heavyweight stepped into the ring, some boxing experts made fun of the new kid on the block.

Five fights and five wins later, and they had to eat their words. Especially as four of these were first-round knockouts.

“I believed that we could do something together to progress his career. He has shown tremendous power in both hands and a strong chin, however, we are working on his technique, speed and balance. This will all improve over a period of time. Wilhelm is hungry, dedicated and always eager to learn his trade. As a student, he has the patience to progress steadily.”

On September 25, Nebe will fight South Africa’s second-ranked heavyweight Joshua Pretorius.

“Pretorius has seven wins and five losses and is vastly experienced compared to Wilhelm who has had five wins in his five fights. It is time to step up the challenge for Wilhelm and should he win, he will be in good stead for the SA heavyweight title.”