Even the presence of veteran boxing trainer Norman Hlabane in the opposite corner doesn’t scare Lonki Witbooi as fear is not part of his vocabulary while he’s finalising preparations for Sinethemba Blom’s fight against Khaya Busakwe.
Hlabane, who boxed between 1966 and 1975, is a very experienced trainer, having been involved in many serious boxing battles and is going to lead Busakwe to war while Witbooi ushers Blom into battle.
The bearded Blom challenges current South African lightweight champion Busakwe at Vodaworld in Midrand this coming Saturday.
“I’m not afraid of him (Hlabane). I told him that it’s gonna be an honour to send him to retirement. I grew up idolising him as a trainer. Now I have to beat him,” Witbooi said.
Blom, who travelled to Johannesburg on Wednesday morning, is rated number two in the August ratings. – Monwabisi Jimlongo