Heavyweight prospect Flo “The Demolition Man” Simba is potentially South Africa’s next box-office king! So says trainer Harold Volbrecht as he prepares his unbeaten protege for the most lucrative 4-round bout in local ring history on February 27 at Emperors Palace. “No..it’s not hype…this kid can establish himself as the newest heavyweight magnet in South Africa” said the former undefeated national welterweight champion. “In fact, I see no reason why Flo cannot become as big (a drawcard) as Gerrie Coetzee, Kallie Knoetze and Johnny du Plooy”.
Volbrecht admits, however, that it’s still “early days” in Simba’s career and his bout with Stephen Castle at Emperors Palace on February 27 is an important step in his ongoing development.
“Make no mistake, Castle is a very cagey boxer and lets not forget that he’s only been beaten once in eight fights. As such we respect his credentials and I’ve instructed Flo to first and foremost concentrate on winning, not necessarily posting a knockout”.
Yet methinks the 20-year-old Simba will be aiming to smear his 38-year-old opponent all over the Emperors Palace canvas, come February 27, and judging by the manner in which Simba has been training and sparring, his intent is all too evident.
Indeed, after going 10 arduous rounds with Rupert “The Natural” Van Aswegen on Friday morning, the Demolition Man dazzled spectators with as flawless an exhibition of rope skipping as this writer has ever seen.
“Man, this guy is a master” said boxing promoter Jeff Ellis, while Simba’s manager Brian Mitchell had a smile ear-to-ear. “Just look at the kid’s body” beamed South Africa’s two-time Hall of Famer, “magnificent”.
“Rhythm is what this game is all about” said boxing historian Paul Hetz, “and Flo has just about the best rhythm of any fighter I’ve seen in years”. That Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman will soon be looking to import opponents for his blossoming young heavyweight, is a fact and his statement in this regard said it all.
“The guy is only 20-years-old and already he’s made a sensational impact on the local scene, having won both his previous contests on first round knockouts. After this fight with Castle, and providing Simba wins, he’ll have literally outgrown the local fight scene and it makes sense to begin marketing him abroad. Certainly we’re not interested in provincial or national heavyweight titles, and foster no illusions about the length of time it will take to develop Simba”. And if it’s a practitioner’s opinion you’re after, Rupert van Aswegen’s comment is clearly worth a mention. “Flo is still a kid in this game, but man he can punch and he has amazing handspeed and surprisingly good technique for a boxer only having his third professional fight.”
Just a question for GGP. How come you don’t go for South African titles? I have had that question in my mind for some time. I personally feel that a fighter should be chasing an S.A title before a world title. It gives him more credibility. I want to know that a fighter is the best our country has to offer in his weight division. I think it gives him more credit. Just a personal view. What’s your verdict?
Hi simon
I personally think that sa titles is a bit of a waste, but i do agree with u that u have to be the best in s.a before u take on international opponents and i am 100 percent certain that “flo” is definitley not the best in s.a i would just like to see him fight johnny muller or even bull muravha not even to speak about osborne machimane but muller seems to be the best fight as he has had only 5 or 6 fights
BSA could be one of the reasons that GGP doesn’t chase S.A titles. Perhaps there is a lot of red tape and dragging of feet. I’m interested in seeing what Terry says.
My comments above didn’t really have to do Flo’s credentials but yes, I would like to see him fight some more guys like Johnny and Bull. I’m glad he’s fighting Stephen Castle this month who I’m sure is going to surprise a lot of GGP loyalists.
GGP has nothing against our boxers fighting for SA titles, but in the case of Flo Simba, we’ve already mapped out a development plan that will be judiciously followed and though many patrons of this website would like to see Simba fight Johnny, Bull etc, we know excatly where we’re going with this exciting young prospect and how best to get there!
Have been invited to watch a closed training session of the “Peoples Champ” Stephen Castle, I was not surprised to see him looking like a Champion.
With sparring partners like former Olympian and South African Super Middle Weight Champion, Kgotso “The Masterpiece” Motau and Prospect of The Year, Johnny Muller both swopping rounds with the Peoples Champ, one can only wonder if this baby lion is chasing down a prey way to big for him.
The 27th is going to be a hellva night of boxing, and I for one cannot wait for this 4 rounder.
Baby “Lions” have to feed on the correct prey and right now it has been deemed fit that Simba will need to get past Castle if he’s to realise the potential that everyone at GGP has mapped out for him! Regards Mr T
Interesting indeed. Simba has much better sparing, I can assure you the with the likes of Tommy, Andre Thysse , Daniel.
I give this fight to Simba Hands down.
Very cleverly put Terry (you know exactly where you’re going with Flo) but yet such a big hype is created around this young fighter and still a bout between him and Johnny Muller, who we know is our best current heavyweight prospect, is not even on the cards.
Beautifully put Sarel and Temba. I have great respect for Simba and yes, he is a good young boxer but come on Terry, how come Johnny who deserves and have proven over and over how dedicated, hard working and what potential he has is not mentioned as the biggest heavyweight prospect we have? or is this what big names like Brian Mitchell and Harol Volbrecht can do for one no matter your potential? Pity…
I wish both Flo and Stevie well, may the best man win. Johnny Muller, you have nothing to prove but GGP certainly has by not wanting you to fight their “best prospect”