Ex-rider Zico Waeytens ready for boxing camp: “For deceased teammate Michael”

Yves Ngabu is also back in action. He faces the Georgian bear Giorgi Kapadze, 124 kilograms, dry on the hook.

First boxing camp

Zico Waeytens exchanged the racing bicycle for the boxing glove three years ago. And tonight he can finally box that first fight. The Gladiator is eager.

“I trained well, and I took good care of myself,” says Zico. “I’ve never been so sharp in my entire professional career as a cyclist. That means how hard I want it. – You’ll be glad it’s finally here, after two years of waiting. Yes, it was allowed to come because it is starting to work on my system.”

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“I fight for Michael Goolaerts”

His opponent is a descendant of Johan Vandenhouweele, Maxime Simoens. Also a novice.

“He has never boxed, but he is two kilos heavier”, says Zico. †But I think I am physically stronger. I trained well with Philip Tampere. I’ll be fine† – Do you feel pressure, because everyone expects a few things? Yes, busy is good. If you don’t feel any pressure, it means that no one expects anything, and that you have meant nothing. I’m dealing with that well, and I think that will make me better.”

And yet this is not just any camp, and not just because of the presence of half the pro peloton. Waeytens is boxing in honor of his deceased teammate Michael Goolaerts:

“Anyway, I’ll fight for him tomorrow”, says an emotional Zico in tears.

Even more camps

Robin Barbiaux and Harvey Techel are also in the ring tonight, and this is also a well-known back. Yves Ngabu, 33 meanwhile, is back from his English adventure, and uses Ledegem as a stepping stone to a large camp. Then he has to pass this impressive Georgian Giorgi Kapadze.