The third edition of Barrydale Fight Night will take place at the Karoo Art Hotel on December 10 and promises to be even bigger and better than the first two show stopping events.
The bouts will take place in the prestigious Belanti Hall and the goal of this year’s white collar boxing event is to raise R400 000 that will be used to build a dojo for Barrydale Panic Room’s fighters.
Swellendam Mayor Francois du Rand will this year be one of the fighters competing for a shot at glory
The club provides much needed recreational and educational opportunities for the youth and it was established by sergeant Conroy Williams as his way of thanking the community who helped him to raise the funds he needed to participate in the World Martial Arts Championships in the USA.
This initiative soon inspired other boxing clubs to wake from a long slumber and it even created new business opportunities in neighbouring towns – Montagu’s Roscoe Pekeur created his Power Punch Promotions after seeing how Williams managed to unite an entire community.
Now in its third year, Barrydale Panic Room has already produced a national turned continental kickboxing champion in Elxandre Syster while several of the clubs fighters have competed on provincial level.
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Williams knows that with the right equipment and facilities, his club can reach even greater heights.
“We have shown that the hard work these guys put in every week in my garage is baring fruit. What we need now facilities to further develop these talented youngsters,” Williams said
Williams already has the blessing of local government to develop a dojo in town and, if this fundraiser is a success, the plan is to ensure that construction work can start in July 2023.
With no less than eight (8) bouts featuring familiar Barrydale residents like Kenny Scheepers, Meyer Joubert, Daniel Southy, Colin Fortuin, Geno Klaasen and Swellendam Mayor Francois du Rand – there will be no holding back!
That is correct, Swellendam Mayor Francois du Rand will this year be one of the fighters competing for a shot at glory. He said in an unofficial statement that he has been preparing for his fight with Conroy Williams for quite some time and is eager to play a leading role in ensuring that the Dojo is built.
“I’m putting my body on the line against a man who is a world champion in MMA (Williams) but I do this knowing that the funds we raise will help our community,” said a slightly nervous Du Rand.
Du Rand, a hard-core Bulls supporter, will be in the blue corner while Williams (a Stormers man) has opted to be in the red corner.
All female fight confirmed
Meanwhile a first women’s fight has been confirmed.
Lourine Botha and Chantelle Spangenberg will take centre stage on the night in what could end up being a classic backyard scrap. Both fighters have been using the NOW Monthly fun runs as training.
They are currently seeking sponsorship from their favourite pubs, so please help these women realise a life long dream.
Tickets:
Only 60 tickets have been allocated for this event and they are priced at R500 for regular seating with ring-side seats going for R850.
An auction of world class wine, brandy, sports memorabilia and other valuable items will be auctioned on the night.
To book your seat phone Conroy Williams on 073 160 1338.
Day event to precede Fight Night
While the main fights will be in the Belanti, a special educational day of youth fights will take place on December 9 at BF Oosthuizen Primary.
The aim is to ensure that national coaches who will attend this event, get to work with the youth.
“Some of our regular town fighters will also be in action here, but this is an educational exercise and we hope to raise awareness with regards to the important role sport can play in uplifting a community,” Williams said.
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