Crystal Van Wyk is gearing up for one of the most pivotal moments in her career as she prepares for the Global Combat Collective event in Atlanta on August 27th. The super featherweight WBA unification bout is already set to be a massive spectacle, featuring top-tier athletes, celebrity guests, and an undercard packed with talented fighters, including Van Wyk herself.
In a recent interview with Knuckletown Official, Van Wyk shared insights into her preparation for the fight against the formidable Isabella Vasquez, a fighter with a decade of experience and over 60 professional rounds. Despite Vasquez's impressive credentials, Van Wyk is approaching the match with her signature confidence and relentless work ethic.
"I've been training, like, really hard," Van Wyk said. "I know that I'm going to be very ready for the fight, and it's going to be a lot of fun. I didn't realize how big this event was going to be, but I'm excited."
Having fought across multiple combat sports, including MMA, boxing, and bare-knuckle fighting, Van Wyk is no stranger to tough competition. However, this fight presents a new challenge, especially as she transitions to boxing gloves after several bare-knuckle bouts. Her most recent victory came in a bare-knuckle fight in Manassas against Christina Chris, a gritty opponent, and now she faces another tough test in Vasquez.
"I love having tough opponents because I feel like it makes me better and the fight more exciting," Van Wyk explained. "I'm going to be aggressive and give every ounce I have in me."
The upcoming fight is historic, marking Van Wyk's debut on an all-female card—a milestone she's long aspired to reach. "One of my bucket list things as a fighter is to fight on an all-female card," she said. "I love how bad-ass the females are that fight. It's going to be a cool experience."
The event has attracted significant attention, with celebrities like Laila Ali, Michael Jordan, and Kevin Costner set to attend. Van Wyk's bout, broadcast on Brings TV, Fubo TV, and Tubi, will be seen by millions worldwide. Yet, despite the high stakes, Van Wyk remains focused and grounded.
A dedicated mother and wife, Van Wyk balances her career in combat sports with her family life. With her husband as her coach, she trains relentlessly while managing the responsibilities of motherhood and settling into life in the United States after moving from South Africa to Charlotte, North Carolina.
As she looks ahead to the fight, Van Wyk is confident, not just about her chances in Atlanta, but also her future in bare-knuckle fighting. "I'm trying to get back in there as soon as possible," she said, hinting at her ambitions to take on BKFC stars like Britton Hart in the future.
As fight night approaches, Van Wyk's preparation is a testament to her dedication, determination, and love for the sport.
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