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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He made a statement about his aspiration to succeed when he faced off against Tumelo Finger, also from Bloemfontein, in the lightweight division bout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He earned a knockout in an early stage of the four-rounder contest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boxing has rescued Wessenaar from the dangerous lifestyle he was exposed to in the streets of Heidedal, Bloemfontein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was always involved in street fights. My auntie, Johanna Joseph, suggested that I take up boxing, noting my aggression,\u201d says Wessenaar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis has saved me from the trouble of street fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He has his boxing skills honed at the Devil\u2019s Boxing Club under the mentorship of David Molatlhoe, a former boxer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He joined the stable in 2017. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being in boxing gave him \u201cthe license to kill\u201d in the ringside, as opposed to street fights which would potentially either land him in prison or killed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evidence of Wessenaar\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wessenaar represented the Free State at various national cadet championships, as well as junior and elite tournaments under Molatlhoe\u2019s mentorship, who is now honing his warrior for his second professional bout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe time is right for him to compete in the professional rank to earn a living,\u201d says Molatlhoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wessenaar hopes to make the best of the opportunity and compete for prestigious championship titles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
From spending his time and energy in street fights, a young boxer now aspires to make an impact in the professional rank. 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