Marlands is home to a WBC International boxing champion, Dee-Jay Kriel (22).<\/p>\n
Kriel claimed the title at the Amabhungu Aksasa boxing tournament held at Emperors Palace, last Saturday.<\/p>
He won his bout against Dexter Alimento from the Phillipines, by an unanimous decision when two judges scored the bout 116-112 and one scored it 117-111.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went up against Alimento, in the minimum weight division,\u201d said Kriel. \u201cIt was a tough fight in the beginning, but I stuck to my game plan and it worked as I gained momentum.<\/p>
\u201cOverall, it was a very good fight and I am glad to have won it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know what to expect as this was my first international fight, but the win certainly makes me feel as if I can stand and fight with the big boys.\u201d<\/p>\n
The youngster said he started boxing at a tender age.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can say boxing is in my blood because there is a strong boxing background in my family,\u201d said Kriel. \u201cAmong other family members, my uncle Leo Gloss, and grandfather Tommy, were involved in boxing back in the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cI later started fighting with my uncle and fell in love with the sport even more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI took my love for the sport further and started amateur fighting with an amazing coach namely, David Mazinyane.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kriel only fought three fights and lost all three as an amateur.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt appeared amateur wasn\u2019t for me but the tables turned when I turned professional in 2014,\u201d said Kriel.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy professional fight history is 14 fights, 12 wins, one loss and one draw, which includes this recent win.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am a former WBC Youth World Champion in the light flyweight division, which I obtained last year, but that title is now vacant because of my new title.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Also read:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Great fun at the boxing<\/a><\/p>\n Boxers conquer championships<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kriel shared advice with upcoming boxers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to follow your dream and work hard if you want to be a champion,\u201d said Kriel.<\/p>\n \u201cThis sport is all about dedication – among other things.<\/p>\n \u201cTalent can only take you so far but if this is coupled with hard work, it will take you all the way.<\/p>\n The local champion has two boxers he looks up to.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a counter puncher like my favourite American boxer, Floyd Mayweather and my favourite South African boxer is Rupert van Aswegen,\u201d said Kriel.<\/p>\n Kriel\u2019s new title has put him on the map. \u201cIn the minimum weight division, I am rated top 15 in the world and number one in South Africa,\u201d said Kriel.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is only the first big step; going forward, I plan on collecting more titles and becoming the world champion.\u201d<\/p>\n The young boxer also took time to appreciate his support pillars.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you to my great trainers, Colin Nathan and Vusi Mtolo (assistant trainer), as well as all my sponsors, namely Eric Nienaber, RDG, Anima Mundi, C&E Engineering, Eastern Hydraulics and Global Elite Executive Protection,\u201d said Kriel.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother heartfelt thank you goes to my family, friends and fans because your support goes a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong><\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n