Latest news
Consider 20-year-old Johnny “Hurricane” Muller 7-0-2, with 5 knockouts. One of South Africa’s “hottest” heavyweight prospects since the 1970’s, the lead-fisted Muller has already built up a huge fan base at Emperors Palace and it’s there; at the Centre Court Arena, on September 18, that the charismatic Muller will be looking to extend his unbeaten run as a professional when he fights Elvis Moyo over a slated six rounds. Nicknamed “Hurricane” because of his intensity and devastating power, Muller has amazingly changed from being a cyclonic walk-in-bruiser to a calculated boxer-puncher; per courtesy of top trainer Harold “The Hammer” Volbrecht. “I’ve only coached Johnny for his last two contests but quite candidly it’s been an eye-opening experience” said Volbrecht, who was a former undefeated SA welterweight champion. “Ironically when I began boxing as a professional I was also very much a slugger, like Johnny used to be, and it wasn’t until the late Pierre Fourie indicated that I’d soon burn myself out, that I decided to utilise a greater degree of ring stratagem” added Volbrecht, who went on to successfully defend his national welterweight title a record 19 times. “Quite candidly this kid (Muller) has improved in leaps and bounds, and I’ve no doubt that he’s a potential goldmine on legs” concluded the Hammer.
While most pundits appreciate the manner in which the Hurricane has bridled his physical strengths, Muller’s former stable-companion Stephen Castle made a point of informing the originator of the nickname that since the fighter had switched trainers from Peet Bothma to Harold Volbrecht; Muller had become more of a “gentle sea breeze” than a rotating storm spiralling inwards in a counter-clock direction. Numerous contributors to the Golden Gloves Promotional website (www.goldengloves.co.za) even supported Castle’s observations, despite the fact that the Volbrecht influence has notably enhanced the accuracy and fluency of Muller’s punches not to mention his defence.
“Before he joined Harold, the kid was a wild brawler who would eventually have been short-circuited” said former SA lightweight great Andries Steyn. “Now there’s a definite degree of skill and we’re seeing straight and accurate punchers compliment those body-breaking hooks and uppercuts”.
Volbrecht clearly feels that Muller is a brilliant young talent and though he presently tips the scales at around 90 kg, experts agree that in the next two years he’ll probably be 10 kg heavier. “He reminds me a bit of Rocky Marciano, in terms of size and build, though he’s already heavier than the Rock ever was” said GGP Promoter Rodney Berman.
August 23, 2010 at 9:51 am, Britt said:
Johnny…..is really one of the nicest’ guys I’ve ever met very humbled and so he does not change in the ring and that’s for me a good thing, he stays in he’s comfort zone being “patient and humbled” he can get aggressive at times I could assure you, but he’s delicate combinations are immaculate and effective.
Johnny “jy sal baie groot dinge nog bereik vir God en vir jou self, hou so aan”
All blessing to Johnny and GGP
August 23, 2010 at 12:29 pm, Temba said:
Thats my boy Johnny for you. He has the power of a lion but you would never say so if you talk to him. Very humble indeed and always has a good word for other fighters and trainers.
August 23, 2010 at 12:30 pm, christo said:
Don’t know this guy personally but I’ve seen all his fights and at first I wasn’t a big fan but when I saw the respect in which he treats his opponents after a fight and the comments he made about them, man he’s got a fan for life. Johnny you have proven you are a star in the making.
August 23, 2010 at 12:31 pm, Shawn said:
Me and my mates go especially to see Muller. Don’t ever let that humbled and calculated punches fool anyone. He has so much power and he knows how to use it. Thanks Harold for teaching this young guy the discipline and technique.
August 23, 2010 at 12:34 pm, Tanya said:
I’m such a big fan of Johnny’s and I shall support and cheer for him no matter what. He has such a big heart and never speaks ill about any opponent. His whole life revolves around boxing and those close to him. He always has a cheer and supports the underdog.
August 23, 2010 at 12:36 pm, Adam said:
Young Muller just needs to stay focussed and continue listening to Harold. He has a bright future ahead of him. I agree, he is still young and he will grow in to a very fast fisted heavyweight in a few years.
August 23, 2010 at 12:37 pm, Ross said:
The change in Muller is astonishing. His footwork and rhythm has improved tremendously and he takes the minimum punches. Can’t wait for 18 September.
August 23, 2010 at 12:39 pm, dennis said:
Sounds like you know him well Britt, I’ve only spoken to him a few words but yes, a hell of a nice young guy.
August 23, 2010 at 12:40 pm, Zain said:
Johnny will reach great heights and will be very successful. Simply, he has what it takes, is very determined and he has the world of faith in those that train and manage his career. It is clear he listens to every word of advise from Harold.
August 23, 2010 at 12:41 pm, Eckard said:
I’m quite new to this site but yes, I’ve seen this kid box and he is a star in the making, keep it up Johnny.
August 23, 2010 at 12:56 pm, Keelan said:
I’ve said from when I saw (by accident) Johnny’s 2nd fight that this young guy has to be watched, and how right I was. Johnny I will be there to cheer on 18 September.
August 23, 2010 at 12:57 pm, Jason said:
A gold mine on legs indeed. This guy is going to destroy whoever comes in his way. He is determined to become a champ. He trains hard and knows what is required. Having said that, yes, what a nice guy.
August 23, 2010 at 2:20 pm, Britt said:
Hey GGP I’m just making a suggestion how about a wba pan-African heavyweight title fight for Johnny against the winner of the Tamsanqa Dube v.s Nsitu Mbaya en-counter remember how Tamsanqa jab’s (against Jake els) man owe man this would be one he’ll of an opponent for Johnny.
August 24, 2010 at 12:18 pm, Temba said:
A real pity Stephen Castle does not recognise Johnny’s improvement and sees my boy Johnny as a gentle sea breeze because I know Johnny has the world of respect for Stephen and Peet Bothma.
August 24, 2010 at 12:19 pm, King said:
You are the king of the ring Muller, keep it up. The improvement in you speaks for itself.
August 24, 2010 at 12:21 pm, boxer said:
I’ve sparred against Johnny and believe me, this guy learns so quickly and improves by the minute. LOL, no walk in the park to know he will be your sparring partner.
August 24, 2010 at 12:22 pm, Stephen Castle said:
You go Johnny my boy.
August 24, 2010 at 12:27 pm, Britt said:
Let’s hear it on my suggestion on an opponent for Johnny?
August 24, 2010 at 12:42 pm, boxer said:
Does than mean you support Johnny no matter what Stephen?
August 24, 2010 at 12:46 pm, Tanya said:
Guys you are doing the same now as with Johnny and Flo. Johnny will support and have respect for Stephen no matter what and I think visa versa. Everybody is entitled to their opinions and Stephen have his, fact is, I think Stephen and Johnny will remain friends in and outside the ring. I’m sure Stephen knows Johnny has always and will always look up to him as a great friend and boxer, no matter his opinion.
August 25, 2010 at 7:38 am, Stephen Castle said:
Ok, lets clarify things. I have the utmost respect for Johnny and will always support him. What I did say was that Johnny had lost that aggresive approach that had seen him knock out his opponents with easy and was looking more like a gentle breeze than a hurricane. I will always consider Johnny my friend and will always be there for him.
August 25, 2010 at 8:12 am, Terry Pettifer said:
NO doubt you will “People’s Champion”. Incidentally we at GGP still regard you as one of the nicest guys in professional
August 25, 2010 at 12:28 pm, Tanya said:
Thanks Stephen and Terry, that should clear up the air.
August 25, 2010 at 12:30 pm, Shawn said:
I actually think Stephen’s comment has a ring to truth to it but fact is, thats whats making young Muller more dangerous. Johnny has now learnt the art of discipline and calm but he still knows how to land those powerful punches and his opponents never see them coming.
August 25, 2010 at 12:32 pm, christo said:
Johnny will never loose that deadly punch. Difference now is that he is mastering the art of discipline and technique and his opponents better watch out.
August 25, 2010 at 12:33 pm, Zain said:
As I’ve said before, Johnny has what it takes and listens to Harold and is very focussed. He knows he has lots to learn still and is open to Harolds teachings, that will make him a champion.
August 25, 2010 at 12:41 pm, dennis said:
Thanks for clearing up the air Stephen, and yes, as Terry said, you are still well like by many. Getting back to Johnny, superstar in the making and holding thumbs he will be on the November bill as well.
August 25, 2010 at 12:42 pm, Ross said:
Will Johnny feature on the November bill as well Terry?
August 25, 2010 at 12:44 pm, Shawns said:
I’ve seen the power of this kid and believe me its no gentle sea breeze.
August 25, 2010 at 12:46 pm, deon said:
I’m a newbie on GGP but I love boxing and love watching this kid box. He has now learnt how to BOX. We all know how devastating his punches are and such a boxer never looses the animal instinct of destruction.
August 25, 2010 at 2:16 pm, The pugilist said:
I have Seen and met johnny on a few occasions, as well as flo simba, these 2 guys have the most impecable manners. i really do hope and pray they go very far in the sport of boxing, they both deserve everything good that comes their way
August 26, 2010 at 9:51 pm, Roberto said:
I dont think muller is all that. I also dont think he punches that hard. I’ve seen a few of his fights. A bit too wild. I cant imagine what would happen if he or simba would ever face a proper heavyweight
August 27, 2010 at 9:54 am, flo simba fan said:
STEPHEN,DO YOU JUST SAY THAT JOHNNY IS YOUR FRIEND BECAUSE FLO KNOCK YOU,
August 27, 2010 at 10:41 am, Britt said:
Ha-Ha, easy guy’s……
August 27, 2010 at 11:55 am, flo simba fan said:
SORRY GUYS,STEPHEN,JUST JOKING-LOL
STEPHEN ARE YOU TRAINING AMATEURSWITH PEET BOTHMA NOW,KEEP BOXING UP MY FRIEND
August 27, 2010 at 12:28 pm, Tanya said:
Not so nice Flo Simba fan, clearly you’ve never met either Stephen or Peet, both fantastic trainers and really good guys. Johnny made a good move for his career to move to Harold but he really is still, and have a hell of a lot of respect for both Peet and Stephen. Remember, we don’t trash people on this site.
August 27, 2010 at 12:39 pm, Zain said:
Flo Simba Fan, newsflash….Johnny and Stephen were friends and sparring partners way before Flo was even on the scene.
August 28, 2010 at 3:49 pm, Roberto said:
That is a good idea. Why dont they fight each other? The winner and the loser can still progress. What do you think terry?
August 30, 2010 at 12:12 pm, Tanya said:
Apologies Flo Simba fan, my comment was made before I saw your second comment today.
August 30, 2010 at 12:15 pm, Zain said:
I believe I owe Flo Simba Fan an apology as well. I saw your first comment and the second one wasn’t posted yet. I just didn’t want anybody to “trash” anybody on this site. I was abit shocked when I saw your first comment as I usually enjoy your valuable input. My apologies.
August 31, 2010 at 9:04 am, flo simba fan said:
TANYA/ZAIN,
L.O.L I KNOW PEET WILL FROM AMATEUR DAYS-GOOD COACH
August 31, 2010 at 9:05 am, flo simba fan said:
TANYA/ZAIN,
L.O.L I KNOW PEET WELL FROM AMATEUR DAYS-GOOD COACH FOR BOTH HIS SONS