On June 29, at the Graceland Casino in Secunda, South Africa, two home fighters missed out on winning WBF world titles – but for one local man, the doubleheader tournament was a huge success nevertheless, because it marked his return to boxing after many years of absence.
The talk is about promoter Thinus Strydom and his legendary World Sport Promotions, of course. Mind you, Strydom kept himself busy in other sports, but boxing occupies a special place in his heart and thus he could not resist the urge to return to the game which he greatly shaped over the years in South Africa.
It all began with Strydom watching heavyweight Gerrie Coetzee and noticing a lack of professionalism in his corner during fights:
“This potential world champion didn’t even have clean towels to use during his fight. So I wrote him a letter saying that if he wanted to fulfil his potential, he would have to make some changes,” says Strydom.
Photo: Thinus Strydom.
To make a long story short, this letter ignited a partnership between them, which resulted in Strydom not only hammering out a deal with the (at that time) almighty Don King for Coetzee to challenge WBA champion Michael Dokes, but actually to the surprise of most everyone returning with the world heavyweight champion to South Africa.
Despite always retaining a personal as well as a business interested in tennis, golf and cricket, World Sport Promotions became famous for delivering boxing champions to the ‘Rainbow Nation’ with Strydom masterminding the careers of such greats as Dingaan Thobela, Francois Botha, Nika Khumalo and the aforementioned Gerrie Coetzee, amongst others.
Now Strydom is back in boxing and happy to work with the World Boxing Federation:
“The WBF have made great strides in the world of boxing, and World Sport Promotions are pleased to have contributed to their stature by staging championship bouts in South Africa,” he said.
“We are encouraged by our recent tournament success, and hope that many more will follow in the next few months, as we attempt to restore boxing to its rightful place here in South Africa.”
And the future of World Sport Promotions, after Thinus’ own career now spanning some 30 years, is already secure. His son Eric is waiting in the wings, learning the ropes fast at his great father’s side and set to follow huge footsteps. Going by Senior’s character, Junior looks a safe bet to fill out those footsteps on his own one day just nicely.
Credit to Herman Gibbs for contributing to this story.
