Kunert can’t wait to get in the ring again

ABDUL-Aziz Kunert really holds boxing close to his heart.

“Boxing has played a major role in my life. Allah (God) has transformed my life through boxing and made me a better person. Just the thought of boxing again gives me butterflies,” says the 26-yearold.

Had it not been for Covid-19 and all that came with it, South Africans would have known who their new featherweight champion is by now.

After knocking out WBF Intercontinental champion Mfusi Maxhayi of the Eastern Cape in their SA featherweight title eliminator last December, Kunert (10-0) was set to take on Thembani ‘Baby Jake’ Mbangatha (11-0), who beat Aphiwe Masengwana in their eliminator.

Unfortunately, the pandemic-enforced lockdown put most things on hold, and only recently following the easing to Level 2 of the lockdown have things been afoot to get competitions, events and tournaments running again.

After dropping Maxhayi in spectacular fashion in the second round of their eliminator bout, one can understand why Kunert and his fans are excited to see the continued evolution of a man who was first mostly known for out-skilling and outlasting his opponents with only one KO to his name prior to the Maxhayi fight.

“There is no confirmed date or any scheduled fight as yet. I am also not sure who will host the promotion, all is yet to be confirmed. Due to this pandemic, lots of things have changed and we don’t know what to expect. Hopefully news of the fight will come soon,” he said.

After speaking to some of the brains trust at EFO and PFC Promotions, there are mechanics in the works for events to take off soon in Cape Town.

“I have been training throughout the lockdown, but not as regularly because of the restriction of the lockdown at a certain point,” says Kunert.

“The lockdown has taught me that you should invest and appreciate what you have. It has been a little tough not fighting, especially with my business – which my wife runs – closing due to the pandemic,” says the Milnerton-based family man.

“My family are the most important people in my life.”

With fighting and gyms being hit hard in the lockdown, plenty of athletes have had to find other means of income.

It was a huge eye-opener for many and with the new Fight to Fame reality show about to launch in Mzansi, many athletes see the show potentially as an alternative for combat sportsmen and women to open other forms of revenue.

But for now, Kunert is focused on getting that SA featherweight title.

“When I win the title fight, my focus will be international level and making good money.”