Johannesburg – Top South African boxing trainer Colin Nathan is headed for Hollywood to attend a two-week workshop with celebrated mentor of world champions Freddie Roach.
“I've been to Roach's boxing headquarters in West Hollywood before and seeing him operate is a revelation,” said Nathan, the trainer of IBO strawweight champion Hekkie Budler.
Roach has trained 38 world champions, including the legendary eight-times champion Manny Pacquiao.
Nathan said he would learn more in two weeks in Hollywood than in years in South Africa.
“Freddie has taken the art of boxing training to a new scientific and comprehensive level,” Nathan said.
“Not only grooming his fighters for their work in the ring, but guiding them to become better individuals outside of the boxing spectrum.
“In my previous meetings with Roach, I picked up numerous tips that have proved invaluable in the preparations of Hekkie (Budler) and my other fighters.”
Nathan's record this year is already impressive, with his fighters winning 13 and losing only one decision in their last 14 outings.
The South African trainer said he was sure he would come away a better trainer after the two weeks working 12 hours a day with Roach.
“One of the important things I learnt from my previous meetings with Roach is never to stop learning,” Nathan said.
“He says he learns something new every day, and that reflects the humility of the man.”
It was announced on Monday that up-and-coming talent Joey “Stinging” Stiglingh would be given the opportunity to fight for the African Boxing Union title at Emperors Palace in March.
This follows his convincing victory over Goodman Zanempi in the annual Makapanstad tournament over the weekend.
The WBC organisation recently announced that the ABU titleholders would be recognised as Africa's representatives in the organisation's proposed series of inter-continental championships. – Sapa