Chatsworth wrestler upbeat for Arnold Classic Africa
CHATSWORTH-based wrestler Joshua Jesse Chetty, known as “Joshua The Bull”, is looking forward to competing at the Arnold Classic Africa in Johannesburg from June 3-5.
The Arnold Sport Festival, named in honour of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, hosts multi-sport festivals on six continents annually which includes the Arnold Classic Africa.
With more than 25000 participants competing in over 90 sports events internationally, the Arnold Classic prides itself as being the largest international sports event.
For many, it could also be an opportunity to meet Schwarzenegger. Chetty, who will compete against a yet to be named opponent, highlighted that the wrestling promotion that he competes under, Champions Pro Wrestling (CPW), will host tryouts for aspirant wrestlers in South Africa.
“As far as the wrestling goes, it is going to be big. People from all over South Africa will flock to see the action.
“As much as the event is exciting for me, it is also nerve-racking since I will be wrestling and CPW expects me to be in top shape and condition. I have been training really hard and am currently doing weight training as well as hectic cardio. I also try to incorporate a lot of crossfit as well to keep my body in top condition,” said Chetty.
He has been keeping fit and also has a YouTube channel where he shares his fitness tips with others. However, Covid-19 has had a big impact on the local wrestling community and the last time that he wrestled was in February 2020 at the Sibaya Casino in Durban.
“I was initially scheduled to compete at CPW’s WrestleMonster 5 in April 2020 but the event had to be postponed due to Covid-19.
Covid has had a huge impact on my wrestling career since we couldn’t wrestle in front of a live audience. Covid has affected me emotionally, physically and financially as well but the grace of God has sustained me,” said Chetty.
Chetty subscribes to the brawling wrestling style but describes himself as a powerhouse who also incorporates technical wrestling into his strategy. This allows him to compete against opponents of different shapes and sizes.
He describes his wrestling style as being similar to WWE legends Goldberg and The Undertaker.
Though still 29-years-old, Chetty has more than 10 years of experience under his belt. He has witnessed a lot of changes in local wrestling in that time.
“The wrestling industry in this country has changed and improved a lot since we are now doing more wrestling events and seeing more up and coming talent emerge.
Since CPW started hosting the annual WrestleMonster which is South Africa’s answer to WWE’s WrestleMania, we are seeing local talent have opportunities to compete against international wrestlers and some ex-WWE superstars,” said Chetty.