Juan Alberts eyes another statement performance on May 16

Alberts vs Phuzi is one of two heavyweight fights scheduled to take place at Golden Glove’s ‘One Way to Redemption’ event this Saturday in Kempton Park. The bill features an exciting women’s SA Title fight, as well as the main event which is a rematch for the WBC Minimumweight title between Melvin Jerusalem and South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse.

Despite all the other thrilling fights on the card, the average boxing fan’s attention always gravitates towards heavyweight action.

In an exclusive conversation with SABC Sport, Alberts says he is ready to take another ‘step up’ in his budding career.

“Akani Phuzi is a good boxer, he’s been a professional for about nine years or so. For me this is a step up because I’ve only got about eight pro fights under my belt and some of my opponents in the past weren’t great fighters, but this is a step up for me in skill, ring time, and everything else. I feel confident that I’m going to win this fight," said Alberts

The current South African heavyweight champion, Shaun Potgieter was present at the press conference, and when asked about the fierce competition within the heavyweight division in South Africa, this is what Alberts had to say.

“So South Africa is blessed with a lot of great heavyweights right now, which is great for the sport and the country, and it’s good competition to see where you lie. For me, as much as I like the competition in South Africa, I plan to go far beyond that – I want to rank myself amongst the best fighters internationally.”