Springbok stars Elton Jantjies and Lionel Mapoe are swapping the rugby field for the ring in a highly anticipated MMA and boxing charity event set to take place in Durban this November, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Bishops appalled by ‘shocking late-night’ bullying scandal
Jantjies revealed on social media on Tuesday that he’ll face former Lions and Springboks teammate Mapoe, following weeks of teasing an announcement.
@eltonjantjies8 Soon going live by the end of the week to give more info Request to join♬ original sound – Elton Thomas Jantjies
The fight is scheduled to take place on November 30.
‘Getting into the ring was always one of my passionate dreams,’ Jantjies said in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
‘The sport of boxing is one of my tools to stay sharp on the rugby field and endure a proper high intensity game.’
A World Cup winner, the 46-Test Jantjies has been a fixture in Bok squads for the past six years and was called up for the Rugby Championship as injury cover but was released before head coach Jacques Nienaber announced the 33-man contingent to defend the Webb Ellis Cup at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jantjies received a lengthy ban from rugby after the veteran Springbok flyhalf was suspended for the use of the banned substance Clenbuterol.
In a statement to Supersport in 2023, Jantjies denies that he took the banned substance deliberately, stating, ‘At this stage, I can say little more about the matter, save that I assure all my supporters that I have not and never will deliberately take a banned substance and that I will do everything in my power to prove my innocence.’
In addition, the seasoned playmaker was sent home while the Boks were in Argentina to face Los Pumas in 2022 following headline coverage of an alleged affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee.
Mapoe, Jantjies’ former Lions teammate and now opponent, is now with the Bulls and recently played in their Currie Cup campaign.
‘Stepping into the ring with a pro, is something else, suddenly you have to anticipate and adjust and hope he don’t knock you out lol . I still have a lot to learn,’ Mapoe said in an Instagram post.
Also read:
Stormers fans urged to use free MyCiti service as marathon limits parking
Picture: Gallo
