Genesis headliners primed for high-action bout
Genesis Chapter Five headliner Devon Damons says preparations have gone well for his much-anticipated martial arts featherweight fight against Ndiliseko Bangani, who says he has had some difficulties.
The boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) extravaganza will take place on Saturday at the Hellenic Hall in Parsons Hill.
Bangani, 33, of New Brighton, was recently hijacked in Bethelsdorp, which left him feeling angry.
“Before this fight, I had been through a lot,” Bangani said.
“I was hijacked with my pregnant girlfriend.
“That incident made me angry and strong, but I would like to thank my teammates for their support and the love they gave me through that period.
“They have been pushing me hard at training every day.”
Meanwhile, his opponent Damons, 24, has been hard at training in the fight camp with his brother, Justin, 28, both from Cura Academy.
Justin will also be fighting on the night.
“It’s nothing personal, it’s what it is and I am just looking forward to Saturday to show my skills,” Devon said.
“In the last fight, I didn’t get to really show all of my skills, I didn’t even kick the guy so hopefully we will be able to see some kicks this time.
“My preparations for the fight have been going well, we had a chance to go to some gyms and learn what they had to offer, some of the pro guys, and we feel like our preparation is enough.
“Before this fight camp, we have been putting in some work, we have been developing and fixing where needed and we are looking to show our skills on Saturday.
“On the night, the biggest skillset will be the better scrambler, the better striker and the better Jujutsu will win.
“I just need to showcase what I can do and that will be it,” he said.
Unlike previous events, Chapter Five comes with a twist. For the first time, spectators will see MMA and boxing action under one roof.
The event will be staged by the Genesis Fighting League and Aphiwe Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 3pm, with the action starting at 4pm.
On the night, the 15 bouts will alternate between boxing and MMA bouts, with three minutes given to boxing fights and five minutes to MMA fights.
WBF intercontinental junior-featherweight champion Sanele Magwaza will be up against Tito Mtongonya, a South African National Boxing Organisation gold medallist, in the main pro exhibition sparring.
Brandon Wilson and Aphiwe Baxa will face off in the main amateur boxing bout.
The white-collar boxing main bout will see Alladin Siebritz fight against Morgan Harlin.
Standard boxing and MMA rules will apply.
Genesis Four, which took place in March, was a sold-out affair and event promoters and organisers expect the same for Saturday.
General entry is R100 and R150 for ringside. VIP seating is also available at R3,500 for a table of 10 people.
These tickets have to be prebooked but normal tickets can be bought at the door.
For bookings, contact Chanry on 083-611-2804.*