Hawkey eyes EFC title

BLUFF’S ‘Young Assassin’, Wesley Hawkey, is set to delight fans as he challenges Boyd Allen for the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Africa featherweight belt on Saturday, 4 April.

Ranked third in South Africa, the 28-year-old has been on a three-and-a-half-month training camp in preparation for the featherweight challenge. Hawkey previously lost to Allen in 2013 and said the mental preparation has been harder than the physical.

Coming from a family of fighters, Hawkey started boxing at the age of six and eventually won the SA Boxing amateur title, before making the move to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2008.

“I hope to make it to the top of the log in EFC and thankfully I have lots of support from my family and from the community. At my previous attempt, the crowd was amazing and I thank everyone for their continued support,” he said. The fighter said he is humbled by the support and messages he has received from his home community and from abroad. His mother, Desiree Hawkey, is one such staunch supporter and she and her husband are proud of his dedication, commitment and determination. “You have proven to everyone time and time again that you have the heart and ability to beat your opponents and have proven it. We wish you all the best for the fight and ask the Lord to keep you in the palm of His hands on the night while in the cage,” she said.

Friends and fans will gather to support the Bluff’s EFC title contender at the Durban ICC on 4 April. Tickets can be purchased through Computicket.

Speaking to the next generation of fighters, Hawkey said: “If you have a passion for it, give it a try. Don’t give in and you can achieve.”