‘The Scorpion’ stings with KO
WITH a solid right punch, Chatsworth boxer Jaden Matthew is back on track in his mission to dominate the provincial and national boxing scene.
“The Scorpion” more than stung his opponent, Petrus Cilliers, in a boxing event organised by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban at the weekend. Matthew landed a knockout blow to the Richards Bay debut fighter in the opening round of a scheduled six-round contest.
The result improved the top- ranked KwaZulu- Natal professional boxer’s junior heavyweight record to five wins, two draws and a loss. This victory was his third by way of a knockout, which could mark him as a threat to the contenders for the vacant national crown.
“It was disappointing on the one hand not to get more ring time, but on the other hand the KO counts a lot so I’ll take it. It felt good to get a victory in my come-back fight after a loss. We worked hard for about a month, so it felt good,” said Matthew following Saturday’s outing.
“The way we planned it was to be patient, see what style he comes with, but if an opening comes up then to go for it. That’s how it worked and I’m very happy.”
Gauteng pugilist Johnny Muller is the top-ranked junior heavy in the country, with the Arena Park plumber in second spot. However the 28-year-old is in no hurry to chase the national title yet. He first wants to get a few more fights under his belt to be in a position to match Muller, who has about 30 pro fights to his name.
“The KZN title is also vacant so first I’ll look for an opportunity to fight for the provincial title. If I can get someone, then I would like to go for it, even if it’s next month. KZN comes first, because everything must be one step at a time.
“When I fight for the national title, I want to be ready and well experienced, so that I can go for a win. Those are the two goals I’m working towards – the provincial belt and then the South African title,” added Matthew.
Meanwhile his stablemate, fellow Chatsworth resident Marc Subramoney, must bide his time for ring action after his heavyweight fight on the same bill was scrapped. Subramoney’s opponent reportedly withdrew the day before the weigh-in.