THE friendship of South African heavyweight champion Osborn “Big Daddy” Machimana and Ruann “The Giant King” Visser will be temporarily on hold when Machimana puts his crown on the line against his friend at Emerald Casino in Vanderbjlpark on Friday.
Machimana and the young Visser headline an exciting six-bout boxing feast presented by Boxing South Africa 2017 Promoter of the Year nominee Steve Kalakoda.
The two South African heavyweight pugilists have been friends and sparring partners since the Meyerton-born challenger stormed onto the local boxing scene. Now their friendship will be put to the test when they lock horns in the ring.
But the two are adamant that they will continue with their friendship once the fight is over.
According to the pair, they had initially agreed not to fight each other, but due to a lack of credible opponents in the heavyweight class they now find themselves on opposite sides.
“I guess the friendship will be put on hold for now, we will see to it after the fight,” said Machimana.
“We had agreed not to fight each other but because of a lack of heavyweight contenders we will just have to. It is a business decision, nothing personal,” he said.
“I’m working hard for this contest, I won’t make the mistake of underestimating Visser. He is a talented youngster with a reach advantage that would make it difficult for me to come in, but I’m counting on my experience to carry me through,” the champ said.
The 27-year-old challenger sings from the same hymn book as his experienced opponent, saying it’s business and nothing personal.
“This fight is important to me. Winning the national title will help propel my career to greater heights. So it is unfortunate that the only person standing in my way is a friend. I’m 27 now, I need this title,” said Visser.
Visser, the African Boxing Union heavyweight title holder, has partnered with the internationally renowned trainer James Ali Bashir in his quest to take his promising boxing career to the next level.
The Limpopo-born Machimana beat Justice Silinga to reclaim the national crown in Bloemfontein last October. He previously relinquished the title due to a lack of heavyweight opponents.
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