DonJuan van Heerden had to seek medical help following his first round stoppage loss to South African and African Boxing Union (ABU) champion Phikelelani Khumalo at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday evening.
Van Heerden, who left his ABU middleweight title on the scales after he failed to make the required weight during the official weigh-in on Friday, sought medical assistance on Saturday evening as a result of severe dehydration reportedly caused by a stomach virus.
According to a statement from his camp, Van Heerden became violently ill the day before the official weigh-in aa he experienced intense vomiting and diarrhoea.
“Initially, he believed the symptoms were related to the final stages of his weight cut. However, medical staff later confirmed that he had contracted a stomach virus currently doing the rounds, resulting in significant dehydration,” the statement added.
“Despite his condition, Van Heerden chose not to withdraw from the fight at the second weigh-in. Feeling marginally better, he proceeded, determined not to disappoint his promoter Golden Gloves, supporters and family. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and he began experiencing severe stomach cramps and renewed vomiting shortly before entering the ring.”
Van Heerden said: “I was well prepared for the fight, I’m disappointed in myself. I started vomiting again and getting severe stomach cramps just before entering the ring.
“I definitely want a rematch. It wasn’t even a fight, I took a body shot, felt like I needed to throw up in the ring and the referee stopped it. It’s on days like this I miss my dad, my hero, so much more. I feel like I’ve disappointed him too.”
Van Heerden’s manager Colleen McAusland remarked: “You can have the heart to fight, but your body dictates, lesson learnt for DonJuan, listen to your body, it’s not a machine.”
