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Jan Piet Bergman

Jan Piet Bergman Profile Image
  • Date of Birth: 19th May 1970 (54 years old)
  • Retired: 4th December 2010 (Career length: 20 years 9 months)
  • Status: Retired
  • Nationality: South Africa Flag South Africa
  • Birthplace: Carletonville, Gauteng, South Africa Flag Carletonville, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Residence: Toekomsrus, Gauteng, South Africa Flag Toekomsrus, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Division: Super Lightweight
  • Reach: 70.9"
  • Height: 5ft 11"
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • BoxRec: Jan Piet Bergman
  • Debut: 26th February 1990

Biography

Jan Piet Bergman, born on May 19, 1970, in Carletonville, South Africa, embarked on a remarkable boxing journey over two decades. Growing up in the tough neighbourhood of Toekomsrus, Johannesburg, Bergman's introduction to boxing was not merely a choice but a necessity. He began training at a young age to defend himself against local bullies, a decision that would eventually transform him into one of South Africa's most formidable boxers. Before turning professional, Bergman had a brief amateur career, which laid the foundation for his future success.

Bergman made his professional debut on February 26, 1990, at the Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, where he defeated Simon Oupa via a third-round knockout. This victory set the tone for his early career, as he went on to win his next six fights impressively. Trained by Bokkie Martin, Bergman quickly gained recognition by winning the Transvaal lightweight title against Edward Mogemi via a third-round knockout. He successfully defended this title against Ruphus Seanego and Walter Mpungosa. Bergman's career was marked by his aggressive style and formidable punching power, which earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent in the super lightweight division.

As Bergman's career progressed, he faced some of the best fighters in the world. One of his most notable bouts was against Kostya Tszyu for the IBF junior welterweight title 1996. Although he suffered a sixth-round knockout loss, this fight showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Another significant challenge came when he faced Zab Judah for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title in 2000. Despite having Judah down in the second round, Bergman was knocked out in the fourth round.

Bergman's most significant achievement came on June 2, 2001, when he won the World Boxing Union (WBU) welterweight title by stopping Guillermo Mosquera in the sixth round. He successfully defended this title twice before losing in challenges for other lesser-known belts. Throughout his career, Bergman also had notable victories over fighters like Viktor Branov and Kamel Bou Ali, showcasing his ability to perform against a variety of opponents. His rivalry with Aaron Kabi was particularly memorable, with Bergman winning their first encounter via a split decision to claim the South African junior welterweight title.

Bergman's final professional outing took place on December 4, 2010, in Windhoek, Namibia, where he defeated Gotlieb Shileka via a third-round technical knockout. This marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned 20 years and nine months, with a final record of 44 wins and five losses, including 33 knockouts. Despite not achieving a major world title from one of the four main sanctioning bodies, Bergman's legacy as a formidable and exciting boxer remains intact. His ability to compete against world-class fighters and his achievements in the ring have cemented his place in South African boxing history.