Passionate boxing trainer David Molatlhoe predicts that a bright future beckons his brave warrior, Tiaan Wessenaar (22). This follows another convincing win in a tournament, staged on 15 December in Bloemfontein.
The showdown that featured women and men boxers was organised by Lebogang Mahoko, a local promoter of the Dream Team Gym. Wessenaar pulled another upset against Tshepang Tsesebe from Kimberley in a fierce contest.
The gutsy Bloemfontein-born delivered a knockout blow to his opponent in the second round of their four-rounder contest. This saw Wessenaar extend his record of knockouts since turning professional last year. He debuted with a win against Tumelo Finger, in a tournament held in August last year in Rouxville.
Following an impressive display of boxing skills against Tsesebe, Molatlhoe believes his mentee has a bright future ahead.
“Although it is early days considering his career, I believe he is on the right path to establishing himself as a knockout specialist.
“He has a long way to go to learn and master tactics,” said Molatlhoe.
He said both opponents tested Wessenaar’s ability, while maintaining that his boxer must improve to become the next big thing in the lightweight division.
Wessenaar has yet to go the distance and fight opponents beyond six round bouts to test his abilities.
Molatlhoe hold a strong view that the gutsy boxer can rise to the occasion and improve drastically with more action.
“He can withstand pressure in the four rounds given in the amateur rank. Boxers fight over four rounds with great intensity. So, the target is to improve on his stamina to adapt to fight even ten and 12 rounds in the professional rank,” said Molatlhoe.
Wessenaar is the only boxer of the Devil’s Boxing Club currently competing in the professional rank.
From spending his time and energy in street fighting, Wessenaar has set himself the target to make a lasting impact and unleash his boxing talent. He took up boxing by default with the help of his aunt, Johanna Joseph, who suggested that he take up boxing, noting his aggression.
“This has saved me from the trouble of street fighting.”
