Boxing fans probably fell off their chairs laughing a couple of days ago when they heard that two soapie actors would step in the ring and exchange blows in Durban on Friday.
It all sounded like something out of a TV script and the assumption was that
actor Vuyo ''Gadaffi" Dabula and his counterpart Gabriel ''Chief" Temudzani were more likely to trip over their own feet in the parking lot than actually make it into the ring.
But the men who have been training the actors — former world champs Dingaan Thobela and Jan Bergman — moved swiftly to dispel those funny assumptions and said they were impressed by Dabula and Temudzani's slick moves.
Thobela‚ a three-time world champion‚ said Temudzani, 36, would certainly not embarrass himself and the sport when he steps into the ring on Friday.
''He has got the basics and I believe he will not embarrass the sport or himself‚" said 50year-old Thobela. ''We want it to look good. His physique tells you that the man has been hard at work. We hope to entertain people in Durban and I want my boxer to win."
Bergman‚ the former WBU welterweight champion‚ echoed Thobela, saying he was surprised by Dabula, 40.
''Vuyo can box — the basics are there‚" 46-year-old Bergman said. ''He is going to surprise the 'Chief'. They just need our guidance when it comes to throwing punches on the night. They need to minimise their power because it is an exhibition bout."
The bout is meant to publicise the South African boxing awards at Durban's International Convention Centre on Friday.
At last Friday's weigh-in, Dabula and Temudzani slipped into their roles and threatened to beat each other up.
© Sowetan
