When one door closes, another one opens. Such is the case for two-time and current Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KO’s) who faced disappointment yet again earlier this month when not just his scheduled fight on the Zab Judah undercard was canceled but the entire card had been called off.
It has become a common occurrence for Claggett (over six times within the last two years) which has cost him several missed opportunities to further his career. Eric Roth has stated, “our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.” How true that statement holds for Claggett. Despite the setbacks Claggett didn’t sit around pissing and moaning but instead put his pants on like an adult and went back to work even more determined than he had been prior and now the hard work and patience is about to pay off.
In a recent announcement it was revealed that Claggett will return to the ring on April 16th, in Las Vegas in the main event of the event titled “Knockout Night at the D” against former IBO welterweight world champion Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (23-2-1, 12 KO’s) of South Africa. The bout is slated to air on CBS Sports Network.
The bout will be Claggett’s first fight since winning via TKO over Stuart McLellan in September of last year. In this upcoming bout, Claggett may have his hands full. Van Heerden shares a similar record to Claggett which will make for an interesting bout and with the level of competition he has faced (Errol Spence Jr., Cosme Rivera, Matthew Hatton) he has built quite a bit of experience. Experience can only get you so far in the ring just like talent will. What will matter most come fight night is the heart and the will to win and both fighters will be demonstrating that come April 16th.
