From spending his time and energy in street fights, a young boxer now aspires to make an impact in the professional rank. Throughout, Tiaan Wessenaar (22) hopes to retain his winning reputation.
Wessenaar debuted in the professional rank on 12 August in Rouxville. He was one of the debutants in the tournament co-hosted by Dream Team boxing promotions and the provincial Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
He made a statement about his aspiration to succeed when he faced off against Tumelo Finger, also from Bloemfontein, in the lightweight division bout.
He earned a knockout in an early stage of the four-rounder contest.
Boxing has rescued Wessenaar from the dangerous lifestyle he was exposed to in the streets of Heidedal, Bloemfontein.
“I was always involved in street fights. My auntie, Johanna Joseph, suggested that I take up boxing, noting my aggression,” says Wessenaar.
“This has saved me from the trouble of street fighting.”
He has his boxing skills honed at the Devil’s Boxing Club under the mentorship of David Molatlhoe, a former boxer.
He joined the stable in 2017.
Being in boxing gave him “the license to kill” in the ringside, as opposed to street fights which would potentially either land him in prison or killed.
Evidence of Wessenaar’s aggression in the ringside is his sterling amateur record. He graduated with a fight record of 22 fights: 18 wins, of which 12 were knockouts and four losses.
Wessenaar represented the Free State at various national cadet championships, as well as junior and elite tournaments under Molatlhoe’s mentorship, who is now honing his warrior for his second professional bout.
“The time is right for him to compete in the professional rank to earn a living,” says Molatlhoe.
Wessenaar hopes to make the best of the opportunity and compete for prestigious championship titles.
