SA light-heavyweight Johnny Muller shares some tips how to build a career in the sport and some life lessons learnt from the sweet science
Rising SA boxing star Johnny “The Hurricane” Muller, 22, is a former national light-heavyweight champion and a throwback to the glory days of the heavier divisions. He’s more of a fighter than a boxer, packing a mean punch and coming forward relentlessly.
On June 15 he fights his rival Ryno Liebenberg for the IBO All-Africa heavyweight title in the Final Reckoning tournament at Emperors Palace. The bout is a rematch following the recent fight won by Ryno on a TKO.
“He knocked me down, and the ref stopped the bout,” says Johnny. “I was far from finished fighting. But I know what I did wrong in my preparation for that fight and I’ve learnt from my mistakes. This time I’m ready for him.”
The dedicated fighter is a family man with a steely commitment to his craft that belies his devil-may-care style in the ring. Here he shares some tips on what it takes to succeed as a professional boxer.
Start early
I started boxing seriously when I was 12. My dad – also Johnny – was an amateur boxer. I grew up admiring his trophies and pestering him about wanting to take up the sport.
