Sick Van Heerden drops title, suffers first-round loss

Donjuan Van Heerden was forced to relinquish his ABU title on the scale after failing to make weight ahead of his scheduled bout. He later suffered a first-round defeat by a body shot and was admitted to hospital due to severe dehydration caused by a stomach virus.

Van Heerden became violently ill the day before the official weigh-in, experiencing intense vomiting and diarrhea. At first, he believed the symptoms were related to the final stages of his weight cut. However, medical staff confirmed he had contracted a circulating stomach virus, resulting in significant dehydration.

Despite his condition, Van Heerden opted not to withdraw from the fight at the second weigh-in. Feeling slightly better, he pushed forward – determined not to disappoint his promoter, Golden Gloves, supporters and family. But his condition worsened, with severe stomach cramps and renewed vomiting just minutes before stepping into the ring.

He was admitted to hospital for treatment. Donjuan Van Heerden, said:”I was well prepared for the fight – I’m disappointed in myself. I started vomiting again and had severe stomach cramps just before entering the ring. I definitely want a rematch. It wasn’t even a fight – I took a body shot, felt like I needed to throw up in the ring and the referee stopped it. It’s on days like this I miss my dad, my hero, even more. I feel like I’ve disappointed him too.”

Manager Colleen McAusland, said: “You can have the heart to fight, but your body dictates. Lesson learnt for Donjuan: listen to your body – it’s not a machine.”

Further updates will be provided as his recovery progresses.