BOXING
Deon Potgieter
When Anton Nel knocked out Jokkie Oberholtzer in 59 seconds of the first round on Sunday, he became only the third man to win the national heavyweight title twice. The big right uppercut followed by a crushing overarm right were among the finest blows thrown by any heavyweight boxer in recent years and on this form he could beat World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight world champion Mike Bernardo.
The Cape Town-based Bernardo has ascribed the lack of respect he receives as a world champion to provincialism. The fact is, however, that he has not yet done anything of note as a professional boxer. Facing off against Nel could give him the credibility he seeks.
While some may suggest Nel is not a heavyweight of note on the world scene, he is the national champion and deservedly so. Bar Corrie Sanders, there is no heavyweight active in South Africa who could assume to be better than him, including Bernardo.
An impressive showing by the WBF champion against Nel, who has previously beaten him, would indeed mean more than a victory over United States fighter David Bostice. Bernardo is hoping for a match against Bostice in Las Vegas in November.
On receiving the invitation to fight Bernardo, Bostice replied: “Who is Bernardo? Does he even exist?”
The American is regarded as of a higher calibre than any of Bernardo’s previous opponents, but has lost his past four bouts including a points decision to sometime South African Frans Botha and a first-round knockout by fortysomething former world champion Tim Witherspoon.
A victory over Bostice would mean nothing to Bernardo, even if he were to stop him in one round. It would make more sense for him to take on the veteran Witherspoon.
While Bernardo does look to have the potential of becoming a legitimate force in the heavyweight arena he needs to face fighters of substance and to be tested. A bout with Nel would go a long way to enhancing his reputation and to gaining local respect.