Chatsworth-born wrestling champion, Joshua Jesse Chetty, who is popularly known as “Joshua The Bull”, is preparing for his next big fight.
Chetty is currently the World Association of Wrestling South Africa (WAWSA) champion, and will be taking to the ring on October 12 to fight in a new competition in Pietermaritzburg titled New South African Wrestling, which is founded and owned by professional wrestler Matthew Hammer.
Chetty’s love for wrestling began at a young age when he watched international wrestlers such as Bill Goldberg, “The Undertaker”, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin fight on e.tv’s “WWE”.
“Watching them as a kid gave me inspiration to take on the sport. I said to myself that one day I will do what these guys are doing. I was also very athletic, I played rugby, soccer and was a successful discobolos.
“During my school days I helped to set up the ring and arenas at many wrestling events in my community,” said Chetty.
In 2010, the professional wrestler took to the ring at 18 and, since then, has travelled the country to compete in prestigious wrestling competitions where he has won numerous championships and awards.
His accolades include winning the Match of the Year competition three consecutive years, in 2012, 2013 and 2014, among others.
“From the time I entered the ring until now, there has been a huge improvement in and out of the ring. I learnt a lot along the way.
“It does have its ups and downs and there were times that I felt like giving up the sport because of the pressure, but I realised that I am not just doing it for myself, I am also doing it for the wrestling community and fans out there.”
Confirming that the sport is indeed real and not staged, he said a wrestler is conditioned to take the punishment.
“I’ve been doing this for over a decade, it is very much real. My body is conditioned to take the pain.”
Chetty’s ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of professional South African wrestlers Justin Gabriel and Adam Rose, who went on to become popular WWE superstars.
Along the way, he wishes to inspire as many people as he possibly can.
Speaking about some of his career highlights, Chetty said it was the moment when he was crowned the World Wrestling Professionals (WWP) tag team champion at an event that took place in Durban.
“It was a historical moment. I was the first Indian wrestler to hold that title. It was just a few hours before my 24th birthday. Another highlight was last year at the Arnolds Classic Champions Award Tournament.
“I wrestled a whole lot of opponents to emerge victorious.”
His advice to others wanting to follow in the same footsteps is to build up the courage and get into the ring.
“If it is what you are passionate about doing then join a local wrestling school and take it from there. In spite of what happens, just pray and trust in God.”
Aside from wrestling, Chetty runs a nutrition supplement shop at The Rock Gym and Wellness Centre in Chatsworth.