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Johannesburg - Boxing fans will be on the edge of their seats when the much awaited clash between Johnny “The Hurricane” Muller and Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu takes place at Emperors Palace on Saturday.
The pugilists will exchange leather for the vacant African Boxing Union cruiserweight title in a Golden Gloves tournament.
What will make the fight interesting is that the boxers are ranked number one and two in contention for the national championship, relinquished by Kevin Lerena three weeks ago as he pursued a world title.
The bout for the continental championship will most likely be explosive from the first gong as the two come from recent defeats. Mchunu (29) was knocked out in the ninth round by Oleksandr Usyk for the World Boxing Organisation title at The Forum in California in December.
Muller (26) suffered a unanimous points decision defeat at the hands of Denmark’s Micki Nielsen at Emperors Palace last June.
Frenetic pace
However, The Rock may have an edge over the vastly experienced Hurricane – Mchunu will capitalise on his southpaw stance to win.
Muller struggles against left-handed opponents, as evidenced by the pounding he was given by Nielsen at the same venue. This could be his undoing against Mchunu, who carries a mean punch and has won 17 fights (11 by knockout) and lost three times in 20.
But Muller, who is orthodox, is vastly experienced, having chalked up 20 wins, seven defeats and two draws from 29 outings. Fourteen of his victories came by way of knockout.
With this clash being so highly anticipated, there is no doubt that it will start at a frenetic pace with both vying to end proceedings inside the distance.
But the skills of The Rock will likely silence the usually vociferous Hurricane fans.
