Bulawayo Bomber Elvis Moyo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
EXTREME Fighting Championship (EFC) heavyweight champion Danie van Heerden has been stripped of his title after he compared his October 15 title fight opponent, Bulawayo born opponent Elvis “The Bomber” Moyo to a chimpanzee.
Van Heeden released a post on social media but immediately afterwards deleted it before apologising to Moyo.
“This is what you look like to me when I see you Elvis ‘Bomber’ Moyo #lookalikes #apes #badboy,” read van Heeden’s post and on it there was a chimpanzee and Moyo pictures side by side.
EFC has since stripped van Heerden of his title and suspended him until further notice. He has been pulled from the scheduled bout against Moyo at EFC 54 in Sun City.
“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable by anyone, regardless of whether you are a champion or not, and will not be tolerated,” EFC president Cairo Howarth told efcworldwide.com.
“We will not tolerate any form of racism by our athletes.”
An official disciplinary hearing will be held with van Heerden and the sanctioning body, MMA SA.
Former two-time champion Andrew “One Gear” van Zyl has stepped in to face Moyo at Sun City on October 15 for the now vacant heavyweight title.
The post has drawn wide condemnation with various posts on Moyo’s Facebook site lampooning the disgraced former world champion.
“How much money were you proposed to be so racist and heartless to insult the all African nation with a racial and worst publication?
If you’re a racist champion it must only be for your family, relatives and your children but not for the EFC.
“Being a true champion asks to be loved and honoured by all the continents and nations because they are those who are going to hold your back.
“You’re the first worst champion stating this kind of issue and racist publication in EFC history.
“I am not a Zimbabwean, neither a fan of Elvis Moyo but I’m an African so if you’re a racist go and find your own country where you’ll be seeing only your family,” posted one Mulumba Tshilomba.
Another Facebook user Antone Schute said he was 100 percent behind Moyo, adding: “You are such a genuine, kind, straight up person.
“What Danie said and did is never acceptable in any way. This ‘man’ is not a reflection of all South Africans.”
Others gave Moyo encouragement and urged him to go out there and get the now vacant belt.
“You are the best man and I know u will win the belt,” posted Irvin Matope.