It’s easy to watch when you don’t have a dog in the fight.

This week will be far harder when Warren Joubert and Grant Fourie battle it out for the SA junior-welterweight title. I’m a friend and fan of both, which makes it tough to savour.

Short of a draw – unlikely – there really is no happy medium to be gained. I’ll be charmed if Joubert wins, but upset for Fourie. The reverse is also true.

Joubert has always been an entertaining fighter. Rugged and ready, we’ve become accustomed to watching him, cut and bleeding, march forward and give and take in his quest to win. He will never be a world champion, but there’s something thoroughly noble about the way he goes about his business.

He’s the model pro, a guy who works hard and never leaves the ring wondering.

I first met Fourie shortly after he turned pro. He came to the sport with a reputation and the formidable shadow cast by his uncle, the late Pierre Fourie. His career started like a house on fire, but illness torpedoed his hopes of becoming an elite boxer. Once a hot prospect, he meandered about as a contender. This is his big chance.

It has been an up and down career for Fourie, but he’s never lost his dignity or ambition. He’s not just a fighter, he’s a fight fan. He’s often at the shows, a handshake here and a hello there. He loves the boxing brotherhood and they love him.

I’m pleased neither is an especially big puncher. That way, neither is likely to have me watching with my heart in my mouth.

I will be most happy with a closely-fought bout where they leave the ring with honour, win or lose.