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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Vaal's Iron Dragon ready to roar
MEYERTON – South Africa's rising middleweight star, Donjuan 'Iron Dragon' van Heerden, is just 23 years old and already knocking on the door of international recognition. On Saturday, 5 July, he'll take a major step forward when he faces Dean Promnick for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) middleweight title at Emperor's Palace in Kempton Park. The high-stakes bout headlines the Golden Gloves event, 'Titans of Africa', and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. 'It's an incredible privilege and an honour,' van Heerden says about the upcoming title shot. 'Fighting for the ABU title, especially on an iconic stage like Emperor's Palace, means everything to me. This isn't just a personal dream, it's a chance to put my name on the global boxing map. A win here will not only reward all the sacrifices but open the door to international opportunities, ' says the born and bred Meyertonner. For Van Heerden, this bout carries more weight than any previous fight not just physically, but symbolically. 'This fight is different. It's not just a match, it's a statement. Everything about this camp has been intense. Every day feels like fight night, and I push through it. My last two fights were at super middleweight, but now I'm back at my natural weight. It's time to show people who I really am in the middleweight division.' Van Heerden admits footage of Promnick is scarce, but not lacking in what his team needed. 'There's not a lot of footage out there, just a few short clips, but we used what we could. I've watched a couple of his fights, one of them live. We brought in elite sparring partners with a similar style to his. The sparring was intense 10 to 12 rounds with fresh partners. We focused on pressure, fitness, and tactical awareness. I'm not just fit… I'm sharp and ready to improvise.' 'It's never easy to fight a southpaw, but I'm a very sharp southpaw myself. If he survives my power shots, it's going to be a long night for him.' Van Heerden is clear that this is not the final destination, but the first real stepping stone toward global ambitions. The ABU title is a massive continental title that opens international doors. My goal is to fight for a top-15 WBA, WBC, or IBF ranking within the next year. This is the bridge. I want to win this title, maybe defend it once or twice, maybe even go for the SA title too and then step onto the world stage.' Coming from a well-known boxing family, Don-Juan embraces both the pressure and the inspiration of being Chris van Heerden's younger brother. 'It's a bit of both. I'm proud of what Chris has achieved. It proves what's possible for a South African boxer. But I also want to build my own name. I don't want to just be known as Chris's brother. I want people to know Donjuan.' 'I've had amazing coaching and mentorship—my dad always said, 'Keep your head low and your work high.' I've also received guidance from Brian Mitchell, as I've been sparring at their gym in Edenvale. I can honestly say this will be my best performance ever.' Van Heerden also credits promoter Rodney Berman and Golden Gloves for reshaping his career. 'Everything changed. Rodney believes in me. Golden Gloves brings structure, opportunity, and professionalism that is what prepares you for the big stage.' 'We've got a tight schedule with my coach Arafaat Kock and my fitness team. Every detail is planned—from recovery to media to sparring. I'm surrounded by people who bring out the best in me. Coach Arafaat pushes me every session and stands by me no matter what.' Looking ahead, Van Heerden sees himself defending titles and expanding his reach. 'I see myself with one or two title defences under my belt and hopefully an invite to fight internationally—if that fits Golden Gloves' plans. I want to be known on the international circuit, working my way toward a world title. It's in my blood. I grew up around boxing.' 'First, I want to defend the ABU title and build my name in Africa. But I'm ready for any big challenge, whether that's the SA title or opportunities in Europe, the U.S., or the Far East. I'm ready to travel and prove my worth.' Reflecting on his only recent defeat, Van Heerden is candid and confident. 'I learned a lot from that loss. I took the fight on one week's notice, but I won't use that as an excuse. As a fighter, you have to be ready every day of the week, every month, all year. That guy wasn't in my league. He got lucky. If we fought 365 times, he might win once I will win the other 364.' 'Since then, I've worked on distance control, defensive movement, and my jab. I've sharpened my ring IQ. I'm now a more balanced, smarter, and more dangerous fighter than ever before. Come 5 July, I'll be ready to fight inside the pocket or outbox him from range—it depends on how I feel that night.' And he closes with certainty: 'One thing's for sure. I'm ready. And I will win this fight.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Press and Journal
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen boxer Lee McAllister lifts lid on stoppage win in Nigeria amid searing heat after 24-hour journey
Aberdeen boxer Lee McAllister secured a stoppage win in Nigeria despite searing heat and a mammoth 24-hour journey to the African nation. The 42-year-old stopped former African Boxing Union title challenger Peter Ndebo at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Ndebo's corner pulled him out of the middleweight fight after the second round as McAllister secured his 51st professional win. Tanzanian fighter Ndebo, 34, boasts a pro record of 12 wins (nine KO), five losses (one KO) and one draw. Ndebo won his previous fight by first round stoppage in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania in January this year. Secured as the mercury hit 30C it was McAllister's second victory in four weeks having stopped Ghana's Godwin Cudjoe in Leigh-on-Sea last month. Rising Aberdeen ring star Charley Brown, who boxes out of McAllister's Assassin Health and Fitness Village, won on points on the same bill in Nigeria. Multiple title winner McAllister, aka the Aberdeen Assassin, confirmed they have been invited to return to Nigeria to box again. He said: 'It t took about 24 hours to get to Nigeria. 'I picked Charley up at 2am for a flight at 6am from Aberdeen to Amsterdam. 'At Amsterdam we had a two-and-a-half hour wait before flying to to Charles de Gaulle in Paris. 'Then we had a four-hour wait before the long flight to Nigeria. 'We finally arrived at the hotel early in the morning. 'My original opponent failed his medical on the day of the weigh-in so a replacement was drafted in. 'It was frustrating as the replacement didn't have the experience to be in the ring with me. 'He threw a one-two and as I slipped it I thought this guy can't hit me. 'I held back as I didn't want to hurt him. 'After flying halfway round the world it was frustrating but in boxing anything can happen. 'With him being the underdog it was his chance to make a name for himself but he didn't have anything in the locker. 'I was quite glad when they pulled him out after the second round.' McAllister has previous experience of fighting in Africa having won the WBO Inter-Continental title in Ghana in April 2022. He stopped Nigerian Olaide Fijabi in the second round to take that title – which had previously been held by Kell Brook and Frankie Gavin. McAllister also won the Ghanaian title in March 2021 with a third-round stoppage of Korley Collison in Accra, Ghana. The Aberdonian also secured a victory against Justice Addy in Accra in October 2021. McAllister said: 'It was very hot and stuffy when I fought in Nigeria and there was also a thunderstorm. 'Although the fight was indoors the changing rooms were outdoors so I had to walk through the storm to get to the arena. 'The trip to Nigeria was a brilliant experience and we have been invited back. 'I would be more than happy to return as it was a good promotion in a fantastic venue. 'We were a massive hit over there as they loved us. 'Charley won on points over four rounds, winning every round. 'It was a great experience for her as she is still young at 21-years-old. 'Travelling to another country to fight in front of an away crowd is worth five fights at home for Charley due to the experience.' The Nigerian bout was scheduled to be the final part of a trilogy of fights for McAllister in a hectic month. Having secured a victory in Leigh-on-Sea last month McAllister was set to fight in Malta on April 11 before boxing in Nigeria. However the Malta fight fell through. McAllister made his professional debut 23 years ago in October 2003. The evergreen fighter, who has a pro record of 51 wins and three losses, aims to enter the ring again this year. He said: 'On May 31 Charley will fight along with a host of other boxers at the Rich Energy Arena. 'I've had two fights already this year so I will maybe have another two or three in 2025. 'I'll take it one day at a time though because at my age I cannot get too far ahead of myself.'
