When Marcel Botha was attending kindergarten in the United States, he wrote down on a piece of paper his future career choice ... a boxer.
This was no surprise to his teachers as Botha, now 23, is the oldest son of South African Francois "The White Buffalo" Botha who, back in the mid-1990s, was fighting world champions such as Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in the US.
"I used to bring posters of dad to kindy and the teachers would make quite a fuss of me," Botha recalled during a promotional visit to Napier yesterday in the build-up to his professional boxing debut against Aussie Jeremy Sebastian in Auckland next Thursday in the Hydra8 Zero Explosion promotion.
This fight will be the first on the card and Botha's father will take on Kiwi professional Joseph Parker in the feature bout over eight three minute rounds. This is believed to be the first professional boxing promotion with a father and son on the card.
Taking Botha's early decision on his career choice into account, the question had to be asked: Why has it taken him this long to line up his first pro bout?
"Yes, I am starting a little late. But I've studied the sport for a while ... I've watched him all my life," Botha replied pointing to his father.
Botha had only two fights as an amateur in the junior middleweight ranks after taking up the sport four years ago.
"I didn't want him to waste time as an amateur. He's been my sparring partner for a long time ... if he can handle the Buffalo, he doesn't need too many amateur fights," his proud father and master of pre-fight banter explained.
"I've taught him everything he knows but not everything I know," the Buffalo continued.
Botha jnr's bout is scheduled for four three-minute rounds. Once he politely waited for his dad to finish speaking, it soon became obvious "Mayhem" (Botha jnr's ring name) is in the same class as his father when it comes to talking himself up.
"I've got a good left hook and quality combinations. I'm an exciting fighter and I want to be an entertaining fighter. I'm ready to knock Jeremy down and keep him down," Botha said.
"I've been blessed with a gift and I want to make the most of it."
He admitted he knew little about Sebastian's boxing career other than the fact he has had one fight.
"I did a bit of research on him on You Tube. I discovered he is one of four brothers who sing ... boxing is a bit different to singing," Botha remarked.
"I'm confident and ready for anything. I'm not scared of anything."
Botha pointed out he is in boxing for the long haul and eager to be a champion in multiple divisions. He agreed there is likely to be extra pressure because he is the "son of".
"But at the same time, it will make things easier for me ... the Buffalo is known everywhere in the world and it's a good opportunity for me to capitalise on his contacts. Dad walks the walk and my actions will speak louder than words too."
A keen follower of rugby, Botha enjoys watching tests between the Springboks and All Blacks. Obviously not wanting to risk losing Kiwi support for next week (he should have plenty because he is fighting an Aussie), Botha said he supports both teams.
"After watching a haka at Turks Bar which was inspiring, I think I've become more of an All Black fan," he said, referring to a promotional visit he made with his father to Turks Bar in Havelock North on Tuesday night.
His father pointed out his book, which he mentioned when he was in Napier in April, will be released when he retires from boxing in the next year or two.
"A lot of the chapters are already written but there is still a lot of things I want to do.
"You never know I might end up on Oprah," he said, referring to the popular American television show hosted by Oprah Winfrey.