South African heavyweight boxer Francois Botha is impressed by Rotorua's boxing talent.
Francois made a flying visit to Rotorua to promote his upcoming bout against one of New Zealand's best heavyweight boxers Joseph Parker on June 13 in Auckland.
During his visit the 44-year-old, along with his son Marcel who is one of the undercard fights, met two of Rotorua's young female boxers Moana Tahuriorangi and Summer Lake.
The outspoken boxer said he was impressed with the skills shown by the pair.
"Especially [Moana] she is very good and very quick, the other girl is very strong I can see her left foot is placed wrong and it's taking away a lot of leverage and power but the coach saw it and knew about it and he knows how to rectify it."
Known as the White Buffalo, Francois said he saw a lot of similarities between Rotovegas Boxing Gym and the White Buffalo Boxing organisation he wants to start back in South Africa - helping kids find a better life through the sport of boxing.
"What the guys are doing here, teaching kids boxing it's great to see ... We have a lot of champions in South Africa in the rural areas and that's the only way to find them is get out there and teach them."
Moana said getting to spend some time with Francois was a great opportunity and she was grateful for the tips which were passed on to the 15-year-old.
"That was mean. It was overwhelming to meet him."
Summer, 16, said she was surprised by how down-to-earth Francois was.
"He gave me some pointers to help me out and he was just like a normal person. Really kind and friendly."
Rotovegas boxing coach Aaron Warren said it was a great opportunity for the young girls to meet a professional boxer. "He showed them things to reinforce what we've been teaching them it's been a real privilege for the girls."
Parker promised early barrage
Francois Botha's coach Hardy Mileham is promising fireworks in the early rounds when the big South African steps into the ring against Kiwi Joseph Parker.
A four-time world-title challenger, Botha has fought Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko. He will be using all of that experience to rattle the 21-year-old.
Mileham, who has coached Botha for the last four years, said his fighter would look to push Parker early in the fight.
"What we're going to do and this is our plan - we're going to jump on him and catch him cold because I know they suspect Francois to wake up in round six, seven, eight when it's too late," Mileham said.
"So we'll be doing some hard work in the dressing room, we'll do at least five rounds in the dressing room, so when he comes out [to fight] it's going to be round six, seven and he's warm, it's going to be quick.
"Francois has been training from Monday to Saturday and he's put some hard work in. I think it's going to be a good fight. But I think Joseph Parker is in for a rude awakening."
After the controversial finish in his last fight against Sonny Bill Williams Botha said he couldn't wait to get back into the ring.
"My preparation is fine now ... mentally now is a big thing. Mentally, I'm always 100 per cent ... So come fight night it's going to be brutal," Botha said.
"I don't underestimate Baby Joseph. He's a very good amateur, he's got a good amateur record, background and I see him as a 10 times better fighter than Sonny Bill. I'm a real pro and as a real pro, you don't underestimate anybody."
Parker has had five professional fights, winning all five, four by TKO. The fight will be at the Trust Arena, Auckland on June 13, and will be televised live on Skysport.