There’s a video floating around of Johnny Muller sparring fellow heavyweight JJ Alberts.
Expectations that Muller might be out of his depth are quickly parked. There’s fizz in his punches and although Alberts is hardly going full tilt, Muller looks comfortable.
The cameo gives fresh impetus to May 16’s “One Way to Redemption” fight card at Emperors Palace. There are two such compelling heavyweight bouts on the Golden Gloves bill, calling the tournament “The War” won’t have been misplaced.
Muller fights big, strong Jose Kadima of DRC, the unbeaten dreadnought who now calls Durban home.
Also on the show, Alberts steps up against local rival Akani Phuzi, who has flattened a heavyweight or two in his time.
Suggesting to Muller that he’s out of his depth is like waving a red flag to a bull. “You think I can’t beat this oke? Watch me. Kadima’s too slow, too predictable.”
A long way out from his last fight, Muller says fans will be mistaken to expect the old Muller: exciting but lazy, talented but inconsistent.
He was never better than the night he had Kevin Lerena at sixes and sevens. Equally, he was never worse than the time Thabiso Mchunu posted a 12-round shutout against him.
Yes, “The Hurricane” can blow hot and cold, but Muller swears these days are different.
“I was lazy, I jolled. But I’ve grown up,” he says. “I believe I have another good run in me and fans will see as much come May 16.”
Now hovering around the 100kg mark, he carries the weight well and claims his movement will be the difference against Kadima.
Alberts, having shifted a bucketful of weight, has added speed to his repertoire. He’s still a big unit and will need his size against Phuzi, who figures to move and use angles to frustrate the heavyweight rookie.
We know all about Alberts, whose jab and right cross are key weapons. He has a good engine and enjoys mixing it up.
Phuzi, of course, has no intention of simply being the B side. Having made his oats as a cruiserweight, he knows that beating a big man like Alberts will be a statement of intent in the higher division.
His power is modest, but his ringcraft is significant and he’ll be looking to set traps and tie Alberts up.
Either way, it is set up to be a thrilling showdown between fighters who each have something to prove.
“I can’t make up my mind who I favour in either fight,” admitted promoter Rodney Berman. “I think of all the permutations, none of which suggest any of the heavyweight bouts will be tame. I firmly believe we’re in for a war, perhaps even two.”
SUPPLIED.
