The Citizen (Gauteng)

Henry wants revenge

TITLE FIGHT: KABESA PUTS BELT ON THE LINE AGAINST DETERMINED SCOT

- Clinton Jones

South African won unanimous decision last year.

The day has finally arrived for fight fans from all over as the first Extreme Fighting Championsh­ip (EFC) fight card of 2017 takes place at Carnival City tonight.

The main event of EFC57 at the Big Top Arena sees an undefeated champion putting his title on the line against the man he took it from almost a year ago.

Igeu “Smiley” Kabesa has been unstoppabl­e in the organisati­on and boasts a perfect 8-0 record, which includes one successful title defence.

But the local favourite will not have things his own way when he takes on dangerous Scot in the form of Danny Henry.

Henry relinquish­ed his title to Kabesa in March last year after being on the wrong end of a unanimous decision on the judges’ cards after a hard-fought five rounds.

“I have already choked someone out and now it’s time for me to knock someone out,” Kabesa chuckled.

But, Henry insists he has learnt from his mistakes and the result will be different this time round.

“I don’t stress about pressure ... pressure is for tyres.

“Last time I never really got going. Kabesa has a very negative style and is difficult to counter. I have to be much more discipline­d,” Henry said.

The co-main event tonight will see the big men of the organisati­on going at it for the right to compete for the heavyweigh­t title.

Elvis Moyo and Michael Vermeulen are arguably two of the standout fighters in the division and the winner looks almost certain to get a crack at champion Andrew van Zyl.

The remaining fights on the main card will be a case of national pride as three local favourites will test their skills against European opposition.

South Africa’s most experience­d MMA fighter, Martin van Staden, will be looking to make life difficult for EFC debutant Christian Holley of England.

Heavyweigh­t Wessel Mostert will be out to keep his perfect record intact when he locks horns with British powerhouse Tony Mustard.

Gordon Roodman will open the main card proceeding­s when he takes on rising Bulgarian Georgi Georgiev.

The main card’s bouts will be shown live on SABC3 from 9pm tonight.

 ?? Picture: Gallo Images ?? BAD BLOOD. EFC featherwei­ght champion Igeu Kabesa (left) and Scotland’s Danny Henry square off during the weigh-in for EFC57 at Carnival City yesterday.
Picture: Gallo Images BAD BLOOD. EFC featherwei­ght champion Igeu Kabesa (left) and Scotland’s Danny Henry square off during the weigh-in for EFC57 at Carnival City yesterday.

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