Kriel expecting a tough encounter
Filipino rival Alimento has 12 wins in 13 fights
Rising boxing star Deejay “The Real” Kriel is excited about fighting for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International mini fly- weight belt, his first since he turned professional in 2014.
Kriel, 22, will welcome Dexter “Kid Mama” Alimento, 21, from the Philippines at Emperors Palace on Sunday afternoon.
The international title at stake is vacant and the winner will get recognition from the WBC’s ratings committee.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous,” admitted Kriel, who is trained by Colin Nathan whose stable boasts a number of good boxers, including two International Boxing Organisation (IBO) champions - Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler (junior flyweight) and Simpiwe “Chain Reaction” Konkco (mini flyweight).
Kriel continued: “I’ve watched Dexter a little on video; he can hit hard and I’m expecting a tough fight.”
Kriel has shown a lot of improvement since he lost his first bout in what was his professional debut.
He chalked up eight straight wins before he drew with Ayanda Dulani in April last year.
In his last three fights, he knocked out two opponents and went the full eight rounds with equally capable opponent Xolisa Magusha.
Alimento has 12 wins in 13 fights.
Kriel agrees that it is time to step up and see if he follows in the footsteps of Budler and Konkco.
“I’m curious about what an international fight will be like. I’ve paid my dues locally, so it’s time. I’ve trained hard and I’m super fit. I’ll be ready,” said Kriel.
His bout against Alimento will top a nursery bill that has been dubbed “AmaBhungu Ak’Sasa – Tomorrow’s Gentlemen”.
WBC board of governors member Peter Ngatane will supervise the bout between Kriel and Alimento.
Action from this tournament will start at 2pm.