‘The Tank’ gets chance to right past wrongs
Debut fight a big transition for the former kickboxer
Boxing is offering Mike Schutte Junior a chance at redemption.
“The Tank”, as the 32-yearold reformed drug addict is known, will mark his professional debut at Turffontein Racecourse where Boxing 5 Promotions of Tumelo Matsose will stage its maiden tourney on Sunday.
Schutte, a father of two, said he wanted a transition from kickboxing to boxing, but opportunities were limited.
Now he has the chance of righting some of the wrongs in a wild and crazy life.
Schutte, who is trained by former professional boxer Lionel Hunter, will take on Petrus Cilliers over four rounds in the cruiserweight division. “I have a wife and kids,” said Schutte, who may have won many fights outside the ring but the most significant one he has won is getting his life back together.
His manager Colleen McAusland is already beating drums about her charge’s prospects: “Mike will go far very quick. He’s got great potential. Watch the space.”
Meanwhile, six-fight novice Roarke Knapp could rue signing to face experienced Congolese Erick Kapia Mukadi who has 20 wins, two losses and a draw.
The Congolese is still fresh from a points’ victory over Ayanda Mthembu.
Knapp is a capable youngster whose career should be guided carefully rather than be rushed against tough opponents like Mukadi.
Crowd favourite Lyton Gloss will be up against Mawande Mbusi over four rounds.
Clement “Slow Poison” Kamanga and Byson Gwayani from Malawi will headline the bill with an eight-rounder.
Action will begin at 1pm.
‘‘ Mike will go far quick. He’s got potential. Watch the space