Like so many of us, Damian Michael started out as a boxing fan and enthusiast. But unlike most fans, he actually made his dream come true and became a boxing promoter. And when he did, it was with a bang heard loudly in the world of pugilism – and with the WBF at his side.
His first venture, called “Urban War”, in 2011 in his native Johannesburg was easily the biggest show seen in South Africa for many a year. It featured no less than six World Boxing Federation championships, five of them for world titles.
It netted Michael the WBF Promoter of the Year award – a complete no-brainer given the size of his show, which, by the way, was announced by MC legend Michael Buffer, who came in from the USA just for the occasion.
The show ended with a huge bang: A tremendous righthander from American giant Michael Grant, which rescued him from certain defeat just moments before the final bell against South African hero Francois Botha.
“It was a major investment and we lost money with our Showpony Promotions,” says Michael, who has a background in media and entertainment business, “but we knew we needed to make an impact to make an impact!”.
And so the eloquent 35-year-old has quietly build an impressive stable of boxers, ran a small-scale but successful show last summer and now is ready to rock-‘n’-roll again with a major event. The date is set for March 2, 2013 and the show is staged as a tribute to Nelson Mandela, called “Rumble on the Rock”. It promises to be at least as huge as “Urban War” and the WBF is set to feature prominently in it.
Says Damian Michael: “The future looks bright for Showpony Promotions in getting boxing back to its former glory and ensuring the sport is owned by the people.”
A worthy goal and the WBF is proud to play its part in achieving it.
