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If recent months have taught me anything, or at least reaffirmed what I already know, it’s that South African boxing is blessed with tremendous talent.
I’ve been to shows and seen just how gifted our fighters are and how they put their bodies on the line, which the fans appreciate. Indeed, the packed houses at Emperors Palace, the undisputed mecca of South African boxing, prove that the fans appreciate great fights between world class boxers.
Mixed Martial Arts may be flavour of the month, and that’s fine, but when a major fight is on, there’s nothing to rival boxing.
I’ve also enjoyed the frequent banter on the new website. I hope you like the site. My team has worked hard on getting it up and running and they constantly tweak things to make it even better.
People often ask what I feel about the online criticism. The truth is that I welcome detractors and fight fans who offer constructive criticism: it would be a boring world if we all agreed with one another. All I ask is that visitors to the site keep personal vendettas out of it – keep the gloves up and the fight clean , so to speak.
I also welcome suggestions, which I take cognisance of. If Golden Gloves can make it better, we’ll endeavour to do so.
Given that I was in Mexico for Simpiwe Vetyeka’s recent fight and didn’t get to watch Klitschko versus Haye live, I have taken a different perspective on the outcome.
Klitschko is the cat’s pyjamas, but it wasn’t so long ago that Corrie Sanders pulverised him. He copped a couple of other losses too, but the point is that the Germans stuck behind him and he rebuilt towards being world heavyweight champion again.
This is great and in stark contrast to South Africa where the press and public are quick to see a defeat as catastrophic. Of course I’m talking about Flo Simba, who remains a formidable prospect. Heck, he’s still just 21. Take a word from the wise – it’s way too early to write him off.
There are similar examples overseas. Look how Lennox Lewis rebounded from devastating KO losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman. The Brits adore him.
Look how Amir Khan has bounced back after his stoppage defeat to Breidis Prescott. He’ll probably face Floyd Mayweather jnr before the end of next year.
Losses don’t define you – they are good lessons learned.
Chat soon.
July 07, 2011 at 9:03 am, Lawrence said:
Hi Rodney
When are we gonna see Vetyeka’s tape on SuperSport? I beleive its not only me alone I anxious to see it.
July 07, 2011 at 9:21 am, john smith said:
Fair enough. I agree there are so many talented boxers in south africa. But something that is a big concern to boxing here is the fact that sabc has pulled out of boxing. Many boxers will now not be able to box or defend their titles because of this and thats real bad. Of course it doesn’t affect golden gloves’ boxers. What do you mr Berman have to say about this? I’m sure you’re concerned about this just as jjj the rest of us.
July 07, 2011 at 10:29 am, Thank me Later said:
Can everybody get over the fact that Flo Lost.Can we just move the fuck on Mr Berman.Not only Flo lost that night,that’s the past,and we belief Flo moved on & preparing for his future,not only in boxing.Did anyone even congratulate The guy on his studies?Well done Flo for doing well in your studies & starting doing your practicals and looking forward your graduation. That’s what Flo wants to hear for now Mr Berman, not about the past.In sport you loss or win.Flo lost can we just forget about it & get him ready for his new challenge.You just came back with a big win Mr Berman.Tell us when the tape will be shown on SSP(Ringside).Not Moarning about the past.or aleast the future of other GGP boxers.
July 07, 2011 at 10:36 am, Shawns said:
Any news on when young Muller will be fighting again Mr B?
July 07, 2011 at 11:11 am, Britt said:
After reading this unbelievable article, it take’s me back to the passion of boxing in SA, Thank you so much Mr Rodney for producing phenomenal work each month, Golden Gloves is fast becoming one of the to Boxing Promoters,in the World. With such tremendous talent,one can not look past the fact that the future of World Class Boxing, dwells among the Golden Gloves Stable. With so much to be excited about, I’m smiling with overwhelming glee. But rest assure, it won’t be a bed of roses for the Golden Gloves fighter, It took Hard work for Corrie to Drop The Klitchko brother, so al the best to each and every one off Golden Gloves’s warriors. God Bless.
Kind Reagrads Britt
July 07, 2011 at 12:11 pm, Wayne said:
Rodney I dont think it’s so much the case that the supporters have written Flo off, I just think that you have built up so much hype around Flo (supposably the best heavy weight since Gerrie Coetzee) and the quality of the opposition that you have spoon fed him prior to his meeting with Francois Botha (whom you though he would beat) that has finally caught up with you. There is no doubt in any ones mind that Flo is a talented young fighter but in reality who has he fought for him to have been afforded the oppertunity to fight Francois Botha. I am still of the opinion that Flo is not a heavy weight and will be better suited to the cruiser weight division. All said it will be interesting to see how you will match him in the future.
July 07, 2011 at 8:14 pm, dilo said:
Hi.thanks for the good work. I would like to know why there are not to many bonafide champions (wbc,ibf,wba,wbo) in your stable. I get tired of seeing boxers walking into the ring with 5 belts when they have yet to prove anything. Nobody cares about ibo or intercontinental and all africa youth champion. You are either a bonafide world champion or not. The aim of all our boxers and promoters should be to get wbc champions. I do not think we have goten a wbc champion since the days of sugar boy malinga and dingaan thobela. Its sad.I hope vetyeka can be the start to change that. Tommy oosthuisen should stop showbouting and just box. Even the great pacquiao doesn’t showbout so why do our guys who have won nothing showbout. Our trainers are to blame for that. I also think that flo simba will be a champion 1 day, but I want to comment on his mindset goin into the fight. He lost the fight in his head. Why was he smiling and throwing wild punches. His trainer should be asked this question. Did any1 see tyson or lewis smile at botha in the ring. Flo needs to realize that there is no place for smiling and loosing your head inside the ring. It was sad to see flo being draged down to bothas level. Botha beat him with mind games. Flo could hav easily won on points, but instead was throwin wild punchers. Again, poor training. Lastly, does dingaan want to die in the ring or wat.please giv this legend a job sothat he doesn’t go get hurt in d ring. Nobody wants to see him fight again. We prefer the good old memories of him.Thanks
July 08, 2011 at 6:49 am, lourens said:
mr berman ,do the sringboks a favour for the up and coming world cup .let flo simba fight sonny bill williams
July 08, 2011 at 7:45 am, Pierre said:
> lourens, I think you meant to say “let Fransie Botha fight Sonny Bill Williams”, right?
July 08, 2011 at 9:53 am, nomercy said:
Sonny Bill and Flo will be amazing! Ill pay anything to see that!!!!!!!!!!!! Flo will kill him!!!
July 08, 2011 at 11:38 am, Rodney Berman said:
I learned long ago that it’s not the organisations that count, but the boxers. If you make a great match-up, it’s a great match-up – the title at stake is insignificant. Sergio Martinez is the best middleweight on the planet, but doesn’t own a title after being stripped by the title. It hardly lessens his status.
That said, I have developed a good relationship with the IBO, who are terrific to work with. More recently, I have met with WBC boss Jose Sulaiman and we will be doing big things in future, so I’m confident the WBC will play a greater role in SA boxing.
I maintain my belief that Flo is one of SA boxing’s best prospects, notwithstanding the defeat to Botha. You may call it hype, I call it enthusiasm for a terrific talent and a potentially great fighter.
I was amused by the call for him to fight Sonny Bill. His promoters are welcome to contact me through the website, but as you can see, Sonny Bill isn’t being matched tough. Flo would flatten him.
July 08, 2011 at 11:48 am, Rodney Berman said:
I learned long ago that it’s not the organisations that count, but the boxers. If you make a great match-up, it’s a great match-up – the title at stake is insignificant. Sergio Martinez is the best middleweight on the planet, but doesn’t own a title after being stripped by the WBC. It hardly lessens his status.
That said, I have developed a good relationship with the IBO, who are terrific to work with. More recently, I have met with WBC boss Jose Sulaiman and we will be doing big things in future, so I’m confident the WBC will play a greater role in SA boxing.
I maintain my belief that Flo is one of SA boxing’s best prospects, notwithstanding the defeat to Botha. You may call it hype, I call it enthusiasm for a terrific talent and a potentially great fighter.
I was amused by the call for him to fight Sonny Bill. His promoters are welcome to contact me through the website, but as you can see, Sonny Bill isn’t being matched tough. Flo would flatten him.
July 08, 2011 at 3:20 pm, Britt said:
Good day Mr Rodney.
Some words of wisdom, nothing short of brilliant.
But I’m going to have to disagree with you, Flo Simba vs. Sonny Bill will be one of the biggest draw card this country has ever seen. And for what it’s worth I think Williams will give Flo the best Slug-fest flo has ever had.
July 08, 2011 at 3:39 pm, john smith said:
Mr Berman. Wits all due respect. Flo is term strong and still young but one think he lacks is his inability to take a punch. I noticed that early on in his career. Good luck to him. You talk about the ibo and WBC but sabc has withdrawn from boxing. Leaving many many good boxers without a fight and without money. How do you feel this will affect south african boxing. Yes you are with super sport but you cant promote all south africa’s boxers. You can only promote and concentrate on a dozen or so. So what use is it if the WBC works with south africa but our promoters cant promote fights here. Only you can.
July 08, 2011 at 8:01 pm, dilo said:
Hi. What happened to isaak chilembe. Did he do something wrong . He drew with tommy oosthuizen, went to america and defeated a previoisly undefeated boxer and should be fighting for titles, yet we see more of tommy and co who have done nothing yet. Yes, I understand the politics in boxing, but it seems like if a boxer does well but is not liked by some people. He gets thrown down the tubes. Yet, you bring back dingaan who nobody wants to see and will only watch to see if the name can even move. I am glad that you are speakin to the wbc, cos this is the most recognized. You mentioned segio who holds no belt, but he did and has fought top fighters and has nothing to prove, but our guys have fought nobody yet they perade around with 5 belts. Yes, if you pacquiao or mayweather, a title means nothing to you, but for an up and comer, a bonafide title is your only road to recognition and oprtunties to fight the best fighters, but if you perade around with a wbf,iba,ibo, what are you saying. I rather see boxers with the old buck belt than mickey mouse titles. You are either a bonafide world champ or sa champ, the rest is just fancy bling that I can buy in the shop. I think that boxing is the only real sport and boxing can get many kids out of poverty. There should be partnerships with business to set up boxing gyms in rural transkei and most township, also on the cape flats and durban. A system lik you get in golf we’re each club has a club pro. We hav so many ex boxers who could be enmployed . Even dingaan and he won’t need to get into the ring again jus for money. It seems lik only the people with money are able to start boxing gyms in sa and these trainers only invit pros in. We need to set up amatur gyms all over the place
July 09, 2011 at 8:16 am, Lawrence said:
Rodney, I must admit you are attached to Simba, hence prompt response to comments about him. I share the same sentiments as DILO why your boxers only fight for IBO’s? I read SUPERSPORT boxing news yesterday only Tommy barely made it to 10th position on ring side magazine rankings, Munyai & Buthelezi did n’t make it (IBO champs) all SA IBF champs made it and we are actually leading the world in two division by two number 1 spots. If GGP is oozing talent why don’t you match up them with Branco boys so that we can see who is who in SA boxing ring, obviously with one exception Simphiwe Vetyeka he can beat all Super Bantams in SA. In closure you are producing good boxing events though in the light of black-out by SABC.
July 09, 2011 at 7:28 pm, Jono said:
Hi Mr Berman
I have great respect for you and the Golden Gloves group.
I am a big fan of boxing and of this web site.
Mr Berman you wrote good column here about losses and the great’s that went down in the past.
I and many fight fans from the South of Joburg are thinking why is Jason Bedeman not fighting on your bills?
He has one lose,to an overseas opponent, note not a local.
I was watching on Suppersport a few weeks ago and I saw Jason in action,this young man looked great.
People you dont have to like this young fighter,but he comes to fight every time.
Look what he has done to our local guys, that is enough said.
July 11, 2011 at 4:56 pm, Pierre said:
I agree Jono, I think Bedeman’s attitude is admirable. I saw him fight a few weeks ago. He has tightened up his defence and his punching power is great.
July 11, 2011 at 6:37 pm, Patsy said:
I am a true fan of Jason.
I must agree, that is called growth, when you fall you get back up and handle your business.
The “Badman” Jason Bedeman is still young and is the Boy from the true South of Joburg.
He will still be a SA Champion and World Champion.
Watch this space.
July 11, 2011 at 8:18 pm, the d unit said:
People,mchunu will beat Zak,the heat wil beat kaiser and team smith will keep producing champions,thank Mr berman for bringing a touch of class to town.
July 11, 2011 at 11:05 pm, john smith said:
Rodney you mention that Lennox Lewis lost. Yes he lost twice but you forgot to mention that Lewis lost only after he was already world champ. And he didn’t lose to 44 year old powder puff punchers. He lost to proper warriors. Yes Khan also lost but at least Khan was one of the best if not the best amateur in his weight class. Flo barely had a dozen amateur fights. If you want my honest opinion, I think flo is a very pleasant young man but in boxing he will not make it. 2 reasons, his lack of proper boxing technique. Which is gained from many years as an amateur and nr 2, his lack to take and absorb a hard punch. The last one is what will be his ultimate downfall. You cant build muscle on your jaw
July 12, 2011 at 8:37 am, nomercy said:
We must get an Aussie vs South Africa event, will be the biggest GGP have ever produced, with Flo and Sonny the main event in a 12 rounder and just SA guys vs Aussie sheep humpers!!! Wow!!!
July 12, 2011 at 5:37 pm, hitman said:
Maybe flo will beat sonny bill mnr berman, but this fight will bring more hype than we can ever imagen….. I think the palace of dreams will be to small for all the fans that would whant to attend…… And john smit I’ve never read any thing possitive by you its always how our boxers is not good enought if its not flo its tommy or hekkie…… Sure maybe u know a bit about boxing but jis please ur becoming a real pain!
October 19, 2011 at 11:32 am, vuyisile said:
Rodney are you ever gonna promote Boxers from Mdantsane again?I mean Boxers who are based there?I see that these days you only promote ellias,Collin and few others that side of S.A.Our Boxers are struggling here.We have Good talent in Miniyakhe Sityatha Junior bantam but he is not Mnguni’s boxer and a few other young prospects.We have Sidzumo Junior welterweight who demolished Sam Malinga, or you only want boxers that come from Bra Mzi’s stable.There are good boxers here that can make you stable be even greater than it already is.