FORMER two-time junior lightweight world champion Brian Mitchell has moved up in weight and will be taking on former heavyweight world title contender Pierre Coetzer on Friday. Most pundits give Mitchell the edge of pulling off a win over the bigger and heavier Coetzer. The two popular ex-boxers will however not be donning gloves for their clash, but running shoes. Both will be competing in their first Comrades Marathon and Mitchell’s new fighting weight is 72 kilograms which would make him a middleweight. He looks lean and very fit, though, and could easily climb back into the ring if he so chose. “I could probably go four rounds,” Mitchell said modestly. Always a fierce competitor Mitchell will be looking to finish close to the 7 hour mark come race day.
Coetzer too is looking fit and keen on taking on the most gruelling race in the world. “It can’t be tougher than when I climbed into the ring with big George Foreman.” said Coetzer. The former national heavyweight champion started training for the Comrades on a dare last year and then got bit by the running bug. “I always enjoyed training, so was missing the feeling when I retired from the ring.” said Coetzer. Former junior welterweight contender Brett Taylor will also be running the Comrades, he does however have a few runs under his belt already.