Golden Gloves

Flo Simba, in red, with the members of ICU, who will perform ahead of his big fight at Emperors Palace

Flo Simba has promised to enter the ring bigger and better than ever when he fights Francois Botha at Emperors Palace on June 4. The exciting heavyweight revealed this week that he is already at a career-high 98kg, a nod to the fact that he will be up against the biggest boxer he has ever fought. “I’m feeling good, I’ve trained hard and done more than necessary,” said the KO artist.

His training has included an incredible 300 rounds against the likes of Zack Mwekassa, Johnny Muller and Tommy Oosthuizen. While none of them compare in size to Botha, the workouts have done wonders for Simba’s speed, which will be key against a slower mover like the White Buffalo. The young gun says he has seen fight tapes of Botha and was impressed. “He’s a good fighter and uses his weight to good advantage, but I must use my skills to avoid those situations.”

Simba says he isn’t too anxious about the looming challenge and is gratified (rather than overwhelmed) by the great interest in the fight. As an added bonus, a group of friends from the University of Johannesburg, who belong to rap group ICU, will perform ahead of Simba’s ring entrance. “They’re rapping me a special song,” he said proudly.

In a bonus for fight fans, Simba and Botha will have separate public sparring sessions at Harold Volbrecht’s gym (next to Rand Stadium in Johannesburg’s south) on Tuesday. Simba will spar at 12 noon, with Botha due to do so at 2pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.