Golden Gloves

South Africa’s WBA International bantamweight champion Tshifhiwa “Atomic Spider” Munyai will be fighting Prosper Ankrah over a slated 10 rounds on the Golden Gloves Promotions “RISING STARS” bill at Emperors Palace on July 28. Munyai, who’s one of this land’s most talented pound-for-pound boxers, will obviously be looking to fashion another impressive performance in preparation for his defence of the WBA International crown at the same venue in October. “Munyai is a master boxer and though Ankrah has a greater degree of experience, he shouldn’t pose any major problems for the Atomic Spider” said Munyai’s mentor Elias Tshabalala.

The seven-bout fight card also includes unbeaten heavyweight prospects Johnny “Hurricane” Muller (versus Patrick Madzinga) and Flo “The Demolition Man” Simba (versus Insitu Mbaya) as well as hotshot lightweight Joey Stiglingh. Undefeated in eight contests, Stiglingh will be squaring up against the hard-fighting Joseph Modise in a projected 6-round bout. “Both Simba and Muller have 6-round encounters on the night but frankly I’d be very surprised if either of their rivals last the distance” said GGP director Stan Fanaroff. The experienced Fanaroff’s optimism seems well-founded, however, since Muller (6-0-1) has stopped four of his opponents and Simba (5-0) boasts the same tally of knockouts. “They’re certainly two of the most popular knockout idols in South Africa at present” said GGP Promoter Rodney Berman, whose aiming to keep his burgeoning dreadnoughts extremely busy over the next six months. “Guys like Simba and Muller have to fight as often as possible and we’ve mapped out an exciting schedule for both fighters over the course of the next calendar year” said Berman.

A close-range hooker who relishes standing toe-to-toe, Muller is only 19-years-old but he’s already established a huge fan base, while the 20-year-old Simba is even been mentioned in the United States as one of the heavyweight division’s most electrifying young prospects. That both starlets have the ability to reach for the stars is certain and GGP will no doubt be marketing their “KO Twins” with increasing fervour.

The rest of the “RISING STARS” line-up sees Ronnie Lategan take on Jerry Hlaoele over 6 rounds in the cruiserweight ranks and there are also two 4-round starts for lightweight Ashley Dlamini (versus Voyelethu) and middleweight Sylvester Zaki (versus Daniel Leshaba).

“The tournament has a compelling mix of talent and I’m convinced that we’ll be seeing at least three future world champions in the making” said Jeff Ellis of African Ring magazine.