Winning the title would be life-changing – Nienaber

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The Advertiser asked:

How is preparation going?

Preparation has been good; my team (World of the Warriors) and I have a game plan set where we have studied my opponent (Allen). We have watched him and all of his fights. We can fight him today, tomorrow, we can fight him any day.

How do you feel going into what will be your biggest match in your career thus far?

It has come as a shock to me because I didn’t think it would come this soon. But I’ve reached the top and I’m ready to win again.

Boyd Allen is one of the more experienced fighters in the featherweight division, would you say that’s a disadvantage to you?

Not at all! I think I’m talented enough to beat him any day. I go in with a game plan and I’ve beaten every opponent in my way.

Quite a lot is on the line for you in this bout: the gold and your perfect fight record, what’s the plan for victory?

Sticking to the game plan – playing my game and not his. A lot of his past opponents have made the mistake of letting me dictate the fight, but I’m going to be on the back foot in this one. I’m taking it to him whatever happens, if it turns out to be a battle on the ground or standing up.

What will winning the title mean to you?

My life would change, being champion would be better than celebrity status.

I understand you’re a former Falcons player, what position did you play and why did you stop playing?

I played scrumhalf and centre; my preferred position was centre but my coach thought I was better at scrumhalf.

Apart from yourself, who’s your favourite EFC fighter and favourite rugby player?

You won’t believe the answer I’m about to give you… My favourite EFC fighter is and always has been Boyd Allen. He’s a very good fighter, but come Thursday, I’m going to prove everyone wrong by beating him and claiming the title.

Nienaber (3 – 0) and Allen (10 – 2 – 1) will face-off at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena on Thursday, August 7. – @SabeloBoksburg