The 28 year-old, who moved to the US in search of the American Dream in 2013, waited almost two years for his stateside TV debut but came unstuck at the hands of a classy operator and nailed on future world champion in the younger Spence.
Since the loss, Van Heerden has booked some family time back home and hopes to return to his California base with a new outlook and renewed vigour in his quest to become a big name headliner in the land of opportunity.
“It feels great to visit and see my family. Just to be around positive people that I enjoy spending time with,” Van Heerden told World Boxing News.
“But I must stress that this isn’t a holiday. I fought on the 11th of September and two days later I was back on the road training. Now that I’m in South Africa, I’m already in the gym and hungrier than ever to correct my poor performance.
“I can come up with ten excuses as to why I did not perform, but that’s not me. I lost and now I learn.”
‘The Heat’ also touched base on his immediate future now that his contract at Kings Sports Worldwide has ended and is aiming to sign a new deal with a top promotional outfit once the right offer comes his way.
“I’m in a tough position as to the fact that since the passing of promoter Michael King, his oufit King Sports have closed their doors which makes me almost a free agent,” he pointed out.
“I’m going to sit down and look at what my next options are. I’ll be praying and hoping for at best a second chance for a big company that is willing to pick me up. I’m 28 and this was my first real loss against a top draw fighter.
“I’m far from done and I believe that the best of me is still yet to come,” added Van Heerden.
