Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden maintained his unbeaten record in the United States of America with a split decision victory over Ghanaian Ray Narh on Wednesday night in Santa Monica, California. Van Heerden was expecting a tough examination in this welterweight bout against the experienced Narh who was 26-4 coming into this fight. The 35-year old would however suffer his fifth career defeat on the night at the Barker Hangar.
Van Heerden managed to convince two of the judges that he was the better fighter of the night with 96-94 scores. However a third judge went with Narh 97-93. The result moves the 26-year old South African to 21-1-1 in what is fast becoming an exciting career. On his Facebook page, Van Heerden posted, “Glory to GOD without him I’m nothing !! Another win right here in America taking my record to 21-1-11KO’s #TheHeat continues! Thank you to all my friends for sticking with me and lifting me up I miss you all in South-Africa I’m blessed!! It was a good fight tough but we got the win!! I’m going to bed now lol!! I’m tired GOD#1 #ProudlySA#teamVanHeerden” (sic)
“The Heat” has already been told that a big-name fight is not too far away but he will need to build a reputation in the United States first. Two months ago Van Heerden saw off Cosme Rivera in Hollywood in an unusual display of punching power. Rivera was unable to continue fighting as the bell sounded for the fourth round.
Van Heerden saw off Matthew Hatton a year ago and before that made a name for himself on home soil seeing off pugilists like Bongani Mwelase and Kaizer Mabuza as well as coming out on the right side of a war against Boitshepo Mandawe at Carnival City in January 2011.