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Mayor of Zoutleeuw to box alderman from Boutersem: "And then into boxing retirement!"

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The mayor of Zoutleeuw, Guy Dumst, will participate in a boxing match against Chris Vervliet, an alderman from Boutersem, in October.
  • Dumst accepted the challenge, viewing it as a "last hurrah" before retiring from boxing, having lost 20 kilograms and two teeth during training.
  • Vervliet, who previously boxed against politician Theo Francken, aims to promote boxing as a sport emphasizing friendship and respect, with part of the proceeds going to Parkinson's disease research.

Mayor Guy Dumst of Zoutleeuw is set to step into the boxing ring for a notable match against alderman Chris Vervliet of Boutersem. The event, organized by Fenix Boxing Club, will take place in October. Dumst, 52, accepted the challenge after Vervliet, 64, issued it following the previous year's boxing gala. While Dumst admitted to some hesitation due to the time elapsed since his last fight, his daughter's condition, that this be his final bout, sealed the deal.

Chris challenged me, and I don't shy away from a challenge.

— Guy DumstMayor Guy Dumst of Zoutleeuw accepting the boxing challenge from alderman Chris Vervliet.

Dumst, who has a background in kickboxing, acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Anyone who knows me knows I don't shy away from a challenge." He has been training rigorously, shedding 20 kilograms and, in a training mishap, losing two teeth after forgetting to wear his mouthguard. Despite the physical toll, Dumst is taking the match seriously, viewing it as his official retirement from boxing. Notably, CD&V chairman Sammy Mahdi will serve as Dumst's "soigneur" (corner man) on the night.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't shy away from a challenge. My daughter Margaux, who also does combat sports, gave her permission, but under one clear condition: that this really be my last match. After that, I must officially retire from boxing.

— Guy DumstMayor Guy Dumst explaining his decision to participate in the boxing match and his retirement from the sport.

Vervliet, who previously faced politician Theo Francken in a boxing match two years ago, aims to showcase boxing in a positive light. He described it as a "versatile sport with remarkably few injuries and, above all, much friendship." Both politicians emphasized that the match is not a political contest but a sporting challenge focused on commitment, respect, and honor. "In the ring, words or political differences don't count. Only the boxing gloves speak," Dumst asserted.

I have already lost 20 kilos during my training, but I have also lost 2 teeth.

— Guy DumstMayor Guy Dumst detailing the physical toll his training for the boxing match has taken.

The boxing gala will feature various amateur and professional fights. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the fight against Parkinson's disease. The organizers hope the event will highlight the camaraderie and sportsmanship inherent in boxing.

I want to put the sport of boxing in a positive light. It is a very versatile sport, with remarkably few injuries and, above all, much friendship.

— Chris VervlietAlderman Chris Vervliet expressing his goal to promote boxing positively.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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