Deon Potgieter ... at The Sweet Science

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Features by Deon Potgieter

	[Feb 4, 2007] Ali and Baloyi win, but what a disappointment Based on O'Neil's on her performance Saturday night against Laila Ali, a paper bag could have put up more resistance.

	[Jan 31, 2007] "I'll whip your ass" says Ali She may not speak in rhyme like her father. But Laila Ali does posses arrogant confidence, charisma and a healthy dose of showmanship.

	[Jan 11, 2007] The Beast one of SA's best From rags to riches has always been coined as the American dream. But Vuyani "the Beast" Bungu made it a South African one with his impressive career.

	[Dec 19, 2006] Mashaba wins and Ali headed to Africa ... again A sensationally timed short right uppercut by Thomas Mashaba stopped Oscar Leon in his tracks Friday night.

	[Nov 27, 2006] Sanders officially back and targeting titles The South African returned Friday night with a bang when he stopped Australian heavyweight champion Colin Wilson in two rounds.

	[Nov 19, 2006] Corrie Sanders: "Watch out Wladimir, I'm back!" The man who rocked the heavyweight ranks by demolishing Wladimir Klitschko in two rounds in 2003 returns to action on Friday, November 24th.

	[Nov 13, 2006] Fana gets second chance and it's Showtime in Thailand As if in answer to his prayers, Mzonke Fana will be receiving the opportunity to blot the memory of his defeat a year ago to Barrera.

	[Oct 29, 2006] Thobela exposes SA boxing Thobela, who has been inactive for two years largely as a result of SA boxing dragging their heals to renew his license, has been dreaming of...

	[Oct 18, 2006] St.Clair vs. Klassen should be a cracker Gairy St. Clair makes the first defense of his IBF/IBO junior lightweight world title at Emperor's Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa.

	[Oct 4, 2006] Boxing's looking good, but crime's a problem Days before his WBC junior bantamweight title elimination fight against Jorge Arce, Hawk Makepula's brother was murdered in Madantsane.

	[Sep 25, 2006] Black Hawk down, but not out I was asked in a television interview on Saturday afternoon if Makepula lost against Arce would that be the end of his career and should he retire.

	[Sep 11, 2006] Brian Mitchell still a champ The fact that Brian Mitchell, former WBA and IBF junior lightweight world champion, was able to walk away while at the top of his game speaks...

[Sep 5, 2006]
Thobela-Botes II Is On
Dingaan "The Rose of Soweto" Thobela makes his return to the ring on October 27th when he challenges Soon Botes for the South African light-heavyweight title.  More ...

[Aug 30, 2006]
Motau comes on strong
Kgotso Motau, who won the vacant South African middleweight title in Johannesburg, is one of those fighters who engenders excitement because he possesses a sleep producing punch.  More ...

[Aug 22, 2006]
Malinga wins solidly, but needs work
Looking at Lawrence Ngobeni on Friday night, you would never say he only had two weeks to prepare for Samuel Malinga.  More ...

[Aug 17, 2006]
The life and times of King Kong
Nicknamed King Kong because of his size and strength, former heavyweight boxer Ezekiel Dlamini led a dramatic life and tragic end.  More ...

[Aug 10, 2006]
Vabaza has big footprints to follow
Gabula "The Tiger" Vabaza steps into the ring in Johannesburg on September 1 in a bid to claim the IBF super bantamweight world title.  More ...

[Jul 31, 2006]
Baloyi blows it!
I'm not going to jump up and down claiming Cassius Baloyi, who was definitely off form, was robbed on Saturday night because he wasn't, but he could consider himself unlucky.  More ...

[Jul 24, 2006]
Mashaba shines in second defense
Thomas Mashaba faced Juan Gerardo Cabrera in defense of his IBO featherweight world title on Friday night in Carltonville in South Africa.  More ...

[Jul 13, 2006]
The Rose aims to turn back the clock
Former 3-time world champion Dingaan "The Rose of Soweto" Thobela will be making a comeback to the ring in September.  More ...

[Jul 10, 2006]
Fana and Mathebula comfortable winners
Former WBC junior lightweight world title contender Mzonke Fana on Friday put on a sterling display to outpoint Jack Asis.  More ...

[Jun 19, 2006]
Willie Smith - The Uncrowned World Champion
What a thrill it was to be able to watch on film a man described by many as one of the finest boxing talents the world has ever seen.  More ...

[Jun 13, 2006]
The Lion King still has a roar
Mpush "The Lion King" Makambi scored sensational knockout win over Sandile Ngweze in defense of his national middleweight title at the Orient Theatre in East London.  More ...

[May 31, 2006]
Nedzanani and Ndlovu win, Botha eyes Tua
Often the pressures of public expectation and promises of things to come if successful can weigh heavily on a boxer's mind.  More ...

[May 23, 2006]
Legends collide
No matter how you cut the cake the Manuel Medina-Cassius Baloyi clash, which takes place at Northern Quest casino, is a superfight and dare we say the first real one of 2006?  More ...

[May 18, 2006]
A Valiant Warrior: The Andrew Jeptha Story
Andrew Jeptha, the son of a Cape Town carpenter, became the first colored fighter to win a British championship.  More ...

[May 15, 2006]
Sebastian "The Soldier" Rothman gunned down
Sebastian Rothman was knocked out on Friday night by Aloryi Mayoyo Mensah while contesting the vacant WBA intercontinental title.  More ...

[May 8, 2006]
Ramoni wins and Rothman returns May 12
Simon Ramoni stopped Zolani Mbelekane in the seventh round in Johannesburg in defense of his SA super flyweight title.  More ...

[Apr 17, 2006]
The Panther, Hands of Stone and the Hitman
Takalani Ndlovu takes on Argentinean Fabio Daniel Oliva at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Delaware on April 21.  More ...

[Apr 5, 2006]
Hawk glides to victory and eyes bigger fish
Makepula was all business as the bell rang for the start of his WBC International super flyweight title defense against Christophe Rodrigues.  More ...

[Mar 28, 2006]
Mashaba outshines Ortega
Thomas Mashaba put up a sterling performance in Nelspruit on Friday night in defeating Yober Ortega to retain his IBO featherweight world title over 12 rounds.  More ...

[Mar 21, 2006]
March Madness Down South (Part 2)
South African boxers have taken ownership of a large portion of WBC International crowns. One could perhaps call it the new national title.  More ...

[Mar 14, 2006]
March Madness Down South (Part 1)
No less than one IBO world title, five WBC international titles and one WBA international title fight will be taking place in South Africa.  More ...

[Mar 8, 2006]
"Bazooka" Botes back with a bang!
Soon "Bazooka" Botes was the favorite to reclaim the South African light heavyweight title Friday night from Erasmus Magwaza.  More ...

[Mar 1, 2006]
Smoking Jo Makaringe - South Africa's John Ruiz
"Smoking Joe" Makaringe made the tenth successful defense of his national welterweight title with a TKO over Phumlani Menziwe.  More ...

[Feb 27, 2006]
Does Angel have any wings?
The IBO lightweight world title fight between Isaac "Angel" Hlatswayo and Aldo Rios which took place at Carnival City on Saturday night.  More ...

[Feb 16, 2006]
Will boxing move into the 21st century?
Imagine a world where there is one global boxing governing body. An organization which sets all the standards and regulations for the sport.  More ...

[Feb 13, 2006]
Hawk Makepula ready to soar!
Makepula stopped Filipino Jun Talape in the 6th round at the Graceland Casino in Mpumulanga in defense of his WBC crown.  More ...

[Feb 1, 2006]
Angel to be tested
Isaac "Angel" Hlatswayo was crowned South Africa's boxer of the year for 2005. He received this honor for what it's hoped he will still achieve rather than for his actual performance.  More ...

[Jan 24, 2006]
In the company of a legend
While attending a friend's wedding in December, I was delighted to bump into one of South Africa's all-time boxing greats amongst the guests, the irrepressible Willie Toweel.  More ...

[Jan 17, 2006]
Remember the Thunder in Africa?
A full house packed the Carnival City Big Top in Brakpan even though the heavyweight title fight started at two in the morning.  More ...

[Jan 10, 2006]
And the nominees are ...
The South African boxing awards take place on January 27 and when looking at the list of nominees you would be excused for raising an eyebrow or two.  More ...

[Dec 20, 2005]
One on one with Corrie Sanders
The last time Sanders was in the ring he stopped Alexei Varakin in two rounds in Austria. That was December 14, 2004.  More ...

[Dec 14, 2005]
Rothman a free agent and hungry for action
Sebastian Rothman has cut ties with his promoter and trainer in hopes of staying active and getting another crack at the likes of O'Neil Bell.  More ...

[Nov 30, 2005]
Thobela is the man in the middle of Kessler vs. Lucas web
On January 14 Mikkel Kessler makes the second defense the WBA super middleweight title against Eric Lucas in Copenhagen.  More ...

[Nov 17, 2005]
Search for the Next "Great Any Hope"
I'm pretty sure the Vitali Klitschko story is not yet over. There are reports that Klitschko said he'll come back if Lennox Lewis agrees to fight him.  More ...

[Nov 7, 2005]
Klitschko injuries hurt legacy
It should be three strikes and you're out, and if memory serves this is the fourth one for Vitali Klitschko.  More ...

[Nov 2, 2005]
Silence Mabuza There's a storm brewing
Silence Mabuza climbs into the ring to face Rafael Marquez for the IBF bantamweight world title at Caesars Tahoe Saturday night.  More ...

[Oct 17, 2005]
Thyse still strong in the mix
When winning the South African super middleweight title five years ago, few thought Andre Thyse would be able to hold on to it for long.  More ...

[Oct 3, 2005]
Three International Title Wins for SA boxers
Gabula Vabaza defended his WBA intercontinental junior featherweight crown at the Graceland Casino Friday night.  More ...

[Sep 20, 2005]
Ramoni Wins in Dramatic Fashion
Ramoni banged in a straight right to Makeba's temple which had the challenger down and out. It was an awesome blow.  More ...

[Sep 13, 2005]
No Vuma in title win
William Gare lost his national junior middleweight title on a split decision to former champion Vincent Vuma Friday night at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa.  More ...

[Sep 4, 2005]
Baloyi wins in defeat
While some are praising Hlatswayo's win over Cassius "The Hitman" Baloyi, after his performance, I'm questioning whether this guy has not been prematurely overrated.  More ...

[Aug 29, 2005]
Smoking Jo Makaringe Wins but Needs More Fire
Joseph "Smoking Jo" Makaringe won the WBC International welterweight title on Friday night at the Graceland Casino.  More ...

[Aug 26, 2005]
The Soldier looks to give Bell hell
You'll have to look far to find a professional boxer with a nicer disposition than Sebastian Rothman. But don't be mistaken, this man comes to fight.  More ...

[Aug 17, 2005]
The Hitman Takes Aim at an Angel
Cassius "The Hitman" Baloyi faces the rising hot talent Isaac "Angel" Hlatswayo on August 31 for the vacant IBO lightweight crown.  More ...

[Aug 2, 2005]
Junior Flys Packing Punch
The South African junior flyweight title bout between Muvhuso Nedzanani and Vuyani Kheswa took place this past Friday at Nasrec in Johannesburg.  More ...

[Jul 27, 2005]
South African Heavyweights ... Two by Two
Heavyweights Jakes Els and Barend Liebenberg will be making their debut against each other in a fight this Friday night.  More ...

[Jul 19, 2005]
Fifth Time's a Charm for Buhlalu
There were some jeers when Irvin Buhlalu was crowned the new champion, but it was a close fight and a very entertaining one.  More ...

[Jul 11, 2005]
From Baronet to Sanchez: Who's to Blame?
The boxing world was again rocked last weekend at the news of the death of Mexican boxer Martin Sanchez in Las Vegas.  More ...

[Jul 5, 2005]
Brian Mitchell Takes On Goldilocks and Bears
Former undefeated WBA and IBF junior lightweight world champion Brian Mitchell is making a comeback to the center stage.  More ...

[Jun 28, 2005]
Gejon Robbed But Hawk Does the Job
This past Friday Elmer Gejon from the Phillipines was robbed of the WBC International mini-flyweight title against Tshepo Lefele.  More ...

[Jun 6, 2005]
Malinga-Ngobeni Rubber Match Ends In Draw
It's not often that boxers are matched against each other three times in a row, and it's even rarer that the fights get better.  More ...

[Jun 1, 2005]
Victor McLaglan: Boxer, Actor, Soldier, Cop
Victor McLaglan shared the ring with Jack Johnson. He also won an Academy Award for his role in John Ford's "The Informer."  More ...

[May 23, 2005]
Farewell to a Champion
Johnny Arthur is an unfamiliar name in world boxing. He laced up gloves and won the 1948 Olympic bronze medal fighting as a heavyweight for South Africa.  More ...

[May 9, 2005]
Former Champs Weigh In
Two former world champions, Zolani Petelo and Zolile Mbitye, returned to the ring against each other Friday night in what turned out to be an entertaining comeback for both of them.  More ...

[May 2, 2005]
Myekeni and Makaringe Keep Winning
Mhikiza Myekeni claimed the WBC international flyweight title on Friday night at the Graceland Casino in Mpumulanga.  More ...

[Apr 26, 2005]
Can Toney Win by Beating Ruiz?
When Ruiz and Toney square off against each other for the WBA heavyweight world title, the loser will have lost more than just the crown.  More ...

[Apr 18, 2005]
Another Farce - Ledwaba Robbed Again
The IBO sent out a message that if anybody wants to defeat their junior lightweight champion, Cassius Baloyi, they better knock him out.  More ...

[Apr 10, 2005]
Barrera-Fana: Does It Count To Count?
Barrera looked impressive in stopping Fana in on Saturday night, but what should have been clear-cut, now has a slight stigma.  More ...

[Apr 6, 2005]
Fana Believes He Can Beat Barrera
"From grassroots to glory" is a catchphrase Mzonke Fana has been using to motivate himself in his quest to dethrone Marco Antonio Barrera.  More ...

[Mar 20, 2005]
Boxing South Africa: Darchinyan Sikali Set for Clash Down Under
IBF flyweight world champion Vic Darchinyan defends his title on March 27 against South Africa's Mzukisi Sikali in Australia.  More ...

[Mar 13, 2005]
Boxing South Africa: Tshehla Stops Botile
All in all it was a fine display by Tshehla, who looks as if he could go places. Having said that, this was not the real Mbulelo Botile he beat.  More ...

[Mar 7, 2005]
Boxing South Africa: Fana Reaches for The Dream vs. Barrera
If an underdog wins it inspires hope in the majority. It is this hope which is emerging in South Africa.  More ...

[Feb 27, 2005]
Boxing South Africa: Hawk Flies and Tiger Roars
A capacity crowd in the Orient Theater in East London, South Africa witnessed some of the finest boxing seen in this region in many years.  More ...

[Feb 20, 2005]
Double Trouble in South Africa
Masibulele "Hawk" Makepula and Gabula "Tiger" Vabaza will be vying for super flyweight and junior featherweight titles in South Africa.  More ...

[Feb 13, 2005]
Ghost Fights in South Africa
It was one of the most talked about, eagerly awaited and biggest fights to never happen in South African boxing history.  More ...

[Feb 6, 2005]
Boxing Coverage from South Africa: Makeba upset by Vetyeka
Simphiwe Vetyeka put on a smooth and disciplined performance to win the South African bantamweight title on Friday night.  More ...

[Jan 30, 2005]
South Africa Boxing: And The Winner Is
I was filled with mixed emotions when WBC #2 junior lightweight contender Mzonke Fana was voted South Africa's Boxer of the Year for 2004.  More ...

[Jan 23, 2005]
Is Boxing A Race Card?
A key point raised for discussion at the upcoming South African boxing convention is that of color - skin color.  More ...

[Jan 10, 2005]
Corrie Sanders Still Sees Heavyweight Options
Corrie Sanders may have his fair share of detractors, but he is still one of the quickest and most exciting punchers in heavyweight boxing.  More ...

[Dec 14, 2004]
Lewis and King Should Put Up or Shut Up
Every time Vitali Klitschko has a fight, Lennox Lewis steps up and says he's considering making a comeback.  More ...

[Dec 12, 2004]
Danny Williams Seconds Out of Touch
His corner were of little help to Danny Williams while he was taking a beating from Vitali Klitschko on Saturday night.  More ...

[Dec 7, 2004]
5 Reasons Klitschko Will Beat Williams
What makes Vitali Klitschko a successful world champion? It comes down to 5 key elements every champion needs.  More ...

[Dec 5, 2004]
Silence is Golden in South African Boxing
Every now and again a boxer comes along who exudes charm, charisma and talent which sets him apart from the pack - such as Silence Mabuza.  More ...

[Nov 28, 2004]
Can The Rose Bloom Again?
Former three-time world champion Dingaan Thobela returns to the ring December 3 in a fight that has many people filled with mixed emotions.  More ...

[Nov 21, 2004]
Manny Pacquiao Watch Out Because Ledwaba's Back
The evening, which should have been filled with celebration for Ledwaba, was instead ruined by the most incompetent judging I have ever seen.  More ...

[Nov 19, 2004]
The Wright Stuff
While Ronald "Winky" Wright's boxing style leaves some fans cold, you have to admit the man has a big heart.  More ...

[Nov 11, 2004]
RuizGolota Could Be The Real Deal
John Ruiz is a wily character in the ring and will do his utmost to keep Andrew Golota off balance on Saturday night.  More ...

[Nov 8, 2004]
Danny "No Pressure" Williams is a Dangerous Opponent
There are those who feel a victory by Danny Williams over Vitali Klitschko on December 11 would be catastrophic for boxing, but it could also mean the opposite.  More ...

[Oct 22, 2004]
Hands of Stone vs. Granite Jaw
The first man to ever go the distance with Phillip "the Time Bomb" Ndou, Cassius "the Hitman" Baloyi steps up a gear when he defends his IBO junior lightweight world title.  More ...

[Oct 15, 2004]
All In The Family
Since turning professional in 1997, following an impressive amateur career, there has been a lot of pressure on Rupert van Aswegan to become the next big thing in South African boxing.  More ...

[Oct 7, 2004]
Veteran fighter back in the trenches
Former IBO middleweight world champion Mpush Makambi continues to soldier on as he makes the second defense of his SA middleweight title on October 15.  More ...

[Sep 29, 2004]
Promising Boxing Career in the Can
Vusi Malinga was stripped of his national title and banned for two years by Boxing South Africa this week, following a positive test for illegal substances.  More ...

[Sep 23, 2004]
Now Oscar needs Felix Trinidad to win
If nothing else, the Hopkins-De La Hoya fight proved the Golden Boy puts his fans ahead of his record.  More ...

[Sep 17, 2004]
Angel in the Wings
There's an Angel in the wings and he's on course for greatness. With a style resembling that of Rocky Graciano, Isaac "The Angel" Hlatsywayo is a boxer to watch for in the near future.  More ...

[Sep 8, 2004]
Is Honesty Too Much For Boxing Fans?
Honesty is the best policy, but when it comes to sports, it helps to shade the issue a bit. Some boxers make big bucks, and that's great, but let's not erode the sport.  More ...

[Sep 1, 2004]
Bernard Hopkins Can't Win, Even If He Does
The De La Hoya Hopkins super-fight on September 18 carries with it one unusual twist. The underdog is also the favourite.  More ...

[Aug 25, 2004]
Beyond World Title Status
While there have always been boxers who have transcended the need to hold world titles, a world title at least used to added some shine.  More ...

[Aug 17, 2004]
Put The World in Boxing's World Titles
In the spirit of the Olympic Games wouldn't it be great to look at a world champion's record and see an array of different nationalities represented there?  More ...

[Aug 10, 2004]
Will Olympic Gold Bring A New Boxing Hero?
What do Lennox Lewis, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Wladimir Klitscko and Felix Savon have in common? They are all former Olympic boxing gold medal winners.  More ...

[Aug 4, 2004]
Is Lamon Brewster Just Like Rocky?
WBO heavyweight champ Lamon Brewster makes the first defence of his title on September 4 against Australian heavyweight Kali Meehan.  More ...

[Jul 27, 2004]
Exclusive: Corrie Sanders Talks Mike Tyson And The Future
Deon Potgieter speaks with former WBO and WBU heavyweight world champion Corrie Sanders.  More ...

[Jul 19, 2004]
Can Hawk Fly Again?
Masibulele "Hawk" Makepula continues his bid to re-establish himself in a heavier weight division this Friday night when he takes on Zanomzi Xola in what will be his third fight at junior bantamweight.  More ...

[Jul 15, 2004]
Tyson Is Modern Day Shrek
While the animated ogre Shrek has been cleaning up in the cinema sweepstakes, raking in huge box office returns for Shrek 2, Mike Tyson will be hoping to do the same in his own sequel.  More ...

[Jul 8, 2004]
Like the Joneses
Dingaan Thobela has decided he wants to emulate Roy Jones Jr. and win titles in multiple weight classes.  More ...

[Jun 30, 2004]
Does Boxing Need Mike Tyson?
The question of whether boxing needs Mike Tyson is something that has been asked throughout his career. Now Tyson is being asked to save boxing (again) in some quarters.  More ...

[Jun 21, 2004]
The WBC on "Rocky" Road Less Traveled
With the possibility of the World Boxing Council closing their doors in the near future, many in the boxing world are looking at Graciano "Rocky" Rocchigiani as the bad guy. He isn't.  More ...

[Jun 17, 2004]
Man in the Middle
While the boxing world primarily knows this past weekend's International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Stanley Christodoulou as a referee and a judge, he has affectionately been referred to and regarded as Mr Boxing in South Africa for almost forty years.  More ...

[Jun 8, 2004]
Pacquiao Still Haunts Ledwaba
"I can beat Pacquiao," insists Ledwaba, who feels he was set up for a loss against the flashy, big hitting Filipino fighter.  More ...

[Jun 2, 2004]
Fana Ready for Erik Morales
When Erik "El Terrible" Morales takes on Carlos Hernandez in a WBC - IBF super featherweight unification bout on July 31, he'll be feeling the gaze of a lot of South African fight fans.  More ...