Rugby versus Rock; celebs to face each other in first-ever livestream boxing match
The first-ever of its kind celebrity boxing match which has fans across the globe abuzz, will meet face-to-face on Saturday, 29 May.
Two local celebs are gearing up to take each other on in the boxing ring next month.
South African rockstar, Francois van Coke will face off against former Blue Bulls “Liefling van Loftus”, Derick Hougaard.
The official media launch of the BoxOp event, took place at The Maslow Time Square on Tuesday, 14 April.
Vanes-Mari du Toit, South African pro netball player and celebrity boxing champ, Nicole Bessick, were the emcees for the evening.
Familiar faces Ampie, Kurt Darren, Wynand Olivier, Nadine and former boxing legend, Brian Mitchell, who defended the title a record 12 times, and never lost a title fight, were also present at the launch.
The first-ever of its kind boxing match, which has fans across the globe abuzz, will see the celebs meet face-to-face on Saturday, 29 May.
The event will be livestreamed.
Although Van Coke and Hougaard meet eye-to-eye, the highly anticipated boxing match will see fists fly.
Van Coke rose to fame as one of South Africa’s top rock artists. He launched his solo career in April 2015.
Hougaard started as flyhalf for the Blue Bulls in numerous Currie Cup matches and for the Bulls in the SuperRugby series.
Albertus Potgieter, owner of iTickets, said the event will reach millions of people across the globe.
“There is a great need for live television action and what better way to get to celebs to entertain fans.
“We are planning to host a similar event in the near future.
“I would like to see Springbok Eben Etzebeth and former New Zealand rugby and heavyweight star, Sonny-Bill Williams in a boxing ring,” Potgieter laughed.
Fans can vote who they will think will walk away with the title.
At this stage, it looks like team Van Coke is leading in the votes.
“I am training like I am a boxer.
“My mission is to fight and to win the battle against Derick.
“I am on a mission and it is real,” said Van Coke.
In the blue corner, Hougaard said that this is as real as it gets.
“The way I have been training, I realised how far I can push my body.
“To learn a new craft is a whole new experience, we have a lot of respect for boxers.
“We don’t want to let the boxing sport down,” he said.
The two celebs are still working on their walk-in song, but Hougaard said that he will probably choose “Liefling” as he walks down the hall on his way to the ring.
The night will see four warm-up matches getting the world-wide audience hot under the collar and roaring to go.
– Thato Mofolo vs Kgaugelo Moitshela, lightweight division
– Robert “9mm” Swanepoel vs Coel Henning, middleweight division
– Cornad “Cage Wise” Seabi vs Attie Roos, light-heavyweight division
– Sholta Luiters vs Johnny “The Rockett”, heavyweight division.
Alternatively, fans can watch the match on the big screen at selected Nu Metro cinema nationwide.
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