WKS Africa returns with a jam-packed fight card at the Sunningdale Sports Complex this weekend, with a host of rising kickboxing talents ready to showcase their skills.
On Saturday 28 up-and-coming kickboxers will step into action in Milnerton, putting their hearts on the line as they look to sharpen their combat sports skills, gain valuable experience, and advance their careers, with some harbouring ambitions of turning professional in the future.
In the main event, reigning WKS Lightweight Grand Prix champion Charnlee Moyo will look to assert his dominance against Vipers Gym’s David Mataswa.
Moyo remains undefeated following his impressive Grand Prix triumph at WKS 2, while Mataswa enters the contest fresh off a devastating knockout victory over a top local contender.
Moyo’s exciting style and relentless pace, combined with Mataswa’s exceptional conditioning, power, and forward pressure, promise an explosive encounter worthy of a three-round, non-title main event.
The co-main event carries the makings of a headline attraction in its own right, with Camp Fight’s dangerous striker and former South African Super Lightweight Muay Thai champion Zoë Klaassen taking on compatriot Chloe Assad, the reigning South African Featherweight Muay Thai champion who trains out of Triple Threat Gym.
The two accomplished female strikers will collide in a Pro-Am contest under K-1 rules at WKS Africa 3.
Further down the card, another intriguing match-up will see Hamza Mouneimne of PFA take on Jose Griego of Strandfontein Kickboxing.
Mouneimne, an undefeated MMA fighter known for his strong clinch work and sweeping ability, will face Griego, a decorated striker whose strengths lie in pure striking exchanges.
The son of respected former fighters, coaches, and gym owners Mike and Jess Mouneimne, Hamza comes from a strong fighting pedigree and will look to carry on the family’s combat sports legacy, facing a worthy challenge in the creative Griego.
One of the standout features of the card is the opportunity it provides amateur fighters to develop under the WKS banner, gain experience, and begin establishing themselves in the sport.
WKS Africa promoter Wade Hammond said he was particularly excited about placing the spotlight on grassroots talent and creating opportunities for newcomers to showcase their potential.
“My goal has always been to grow the sport of K-1 from day one, so for this event, I’ve decided to focus more on grassroots amateurs, giving fighters starting from zero fights the opportunity to gain experience and showcase their potential,” Hammond said.
Hammond enjoyed a successful kickboxing career of his own, earning several titles, including the Cape Fight League K-1 title, the PFC K-1 title, the Western Cape K-1 light-middleweight title, and South African national K-1 honours.
“We have already gotten to see a couple of fighters progress on our events into established amateurs, almost turning professional. So now I want to invest a bit more in the guys who are just starting their journeys and, in essence, create a bigger talent pool,” he added.
Hammond also highlighted the potential international opportunities available to fighters who continue to develop through the promotion.
“There are possible opportunities abroad in pro circuits with our WKS founder Jonathan Ruiz, who is actively involved in pro K-1 in the US and hosts events at Madison Square Garden, and obviously with Andy Souwer, the two-time K-1 MAX champion, constantly building his own army of new-generation K-1 stars.”
With WKS Africa continuing to build momentum under the World Kickboxing Union banner, Hammond expressed his gratitude to the sponsors supporting the promotion’s vision.
“A huge thank you to our main sponsor and driving force, Lycan Athletics, for standing by us and supporting our vision from day one. Also, thanks once again for the support from Captain Joe Foods,” Hammond said.
WKS Africa 3 gets under way at 17:00 on Saturday, 24 October, at the Sunningdale Sports Complex in Milnerton.
* Tickets are available through Quicket, with Hammond confirming that any remaining tickets will be made available at the door.
WKS Africa 3 – Full Fight Card
Main Event
14. Charlee Moyo vs David Mataswa — Lightweight, Pro-Am
13. Zoe Klaassen vs Chloe Assad — Welterweight, Pro-Am
12. Lee Conradie vs Tiana Muchenje — Flyweight, Amateur
11. Shannon Mbanje vs James Hayward — Lightweight, Amateur
10. Jose Griego vs Hamza Mouneimne — Junior Male Featherweight, Amateur
9. Ibrahim Ackerman vs Seth Pasqualle — Featherweight, Amateur
8. Ruben Botha vs Fawaaz Davids — Middleweight, Amateur
7. Reilly Mare vs Adeeb Isaacs — Welterweight, Amateur
6. Wanda de Beer vs Prince Mangoangwana — Featherweight (64kg), Amateur
5. Lizo Ntloko vs Seth Mongohо — Featherweight (63kg), Amateur
4. Eric Bender vs Francois Labuschagne — Welterweight, Amateur
3. Dale Mauritz vs Lian van Zyl — Teens Under 56kg, Hard Contact, Amateur
2. McDonald Magaramombe vs Mila Mangaliso — Welterweight, Amateur
1. Lila Peters vs Chloe Solomon — Junior Female Under 60kg, Hard Contact, Amateur