By Michael Uugwanga

HIGHLY rated amateur boxer Pieter Kotze says he is learning a lot from professional boxer Harry Simon Jr, who has now become his sparring partner in the gym.
Simon Jr is the son to legendary boxer and former undefeated world champion, Harry ‘Terminator’ Simon. Just like his father, Simon Jr remains undefeated in his professional career.  Kotze has already made a big name for himself at the amateur level since last year when he was awarded the best boxer at last year’s Namibia Boxing Championship that was held in Grootfontein. Kotze is student at the University of Science and Technology (NUST), majoring in economics and is under the watchful eye of coach Gino Chiappini of Chiappini Boxing Club in Windhoek.
“Simon Jr and I have been sparring for a month now and it is quite an experience to be able to sparring with such a great fighter. Simon Jr has taught me a lot about fighting and what I should improve on,” said Kotze. Under Chiappini, Kotze has seen his boxing improving and has 11 amateur fights under his belt, of which he has a managed to win 8, losing one and drawing two.
His parents were never a big fan of their child boxing due to the danger boxing comes with, however along the line the parents decided to support him in his boxing career, as long boxing does not affect his academic. “I will say that my boxing has improved quite a bit. My coach and I have been training very hard and focusing on new technical things. Currently we do not have any specific date for my next fight, so we will keep on training hard. It is always very hard to balance studying and boxing but I am managing it. Maybe I will be turning professional in the next five to six years,”Kotze.