A bloody showdown between a Pretorian kick-boxing champ and a Russian hero is set to go down this monthReigning Z9 world kick-boxing champion George "Dragon" Hastings will soon brawl with Koba Iakobidez from Moscow at The Square in Hatfield, Pretoria on February 27 2010.
Both fighters have been training hard for the pre-title match but Hastings claims to be the stronger fighter, promising a swift victory.
"Koba is a tough and strong puncher but I expect to knock him out in a few minutes." Said Hastings.
"The fight is scheduled for eight rounds and I'll knock him out by the third round." Said a cocky Hastings.
The 24 year old martial artist is originally from New York but settled in South Africa last year in June to fulfill a fighting contractabd business ventures.
Iakobidez is less verbal and prefers to settle matters in the ring.
"This is not dancing this is boxing," he said in a strong Russian accent.
"No one tells me what to do and I have no fear!'
Iakobidez is a boxer from Moscow and dominated the Russian amateur scene until 2006 when he lost his super-cruiser weight title after five years as champion.
Mike Maleka, an expert in traditional Chinese kung-fu and Hastings's trainer, has been rigorously preparing Hastings at the Tuks Student Gym since September 2009 and is optimistic of a victory.
" We train six days a week for at least four hours a day and its becoming more intense as the fight draws closer, we are extremely confident of a victory." Said Maleka.
Iakobidez, the younger but more experienced fighter, recalls at least 90 fights with only two losses, while Hastings stands at 22 fights and one defeat.
The Russian is 10kg lighter than Hastings who tips the scales at 90kg.
The prize money for the fight is R10 000.
Written by: Mooketsi Nthite.
Photos courtesy of: Damaris Helwig/Pretoria News
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