Golden Gloves

Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman is upbeat about Friday night’s lightweight “elimination” shootout in Laredo, Texas between Ji Hoon Kim and Ameth Diaz. The hard-hitting Kim, who won the IBO world lightweight title in South Africa by knocking out Zolani Marali, is co-promoted by Berman’s GGP outfit and American business associate Art Pellulo of Banner Promotions and as such is an important cog in both promotional organizations plans. “Kim is not the most technically gifted lightweight on the planet, but man, he can punch” said Berman, who is presently in the States to take in the action. “Both Art and I believe that there is a tremendous resurgence of interest in the lightweight division world wide and naturally a victory for Kim on Friday night would be a massive boost to our aspirations” added Berman. “Given the fact that South African boxing also has a wealth of class in the lightweight ranks, we’re very excited about our immediate goals and on June 19 tournament at Emperors Palace, the IBO Africa title bout between the reigning champion Jason “Badman” Bedeman and Bongani Dlamini should add impetus to our collective strength in the division”.

First though, it’s the Kim/Diaz contest that is occupying Berman’s thoughts and while both he and Pellulo are confident that their hard punching fighter will emerge triumphant, expert opinion is split as to the likely outcome of the fight.

“Remember that the winner of Friday night’s contest will be ideally positioned to fight for the vacant IBF world lightweight crown and it’s not too outlandish to say that if Kim beats Diaz, he may very well fight for the world title in South Africa later in the year” concluded Berman.

Meanwhile fight fever is building up ahead of the “BLOCKBUSTER” event on June 19 at Emperors Palace, what with three IBO world championships, an IBO Africa title and a WBC International title up for grabs.

The most talked about bouts on the bill, however, are Tommy “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen’s upcoming war with Michael Bolling (vacant IBO world super middleweight title) and Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler’s IBO world junior flyweight title defence against Juanito Rubillar of the Philippines. Mind you, the rest of the fight card is equally appealing, with Ronelle Ferraras of the Philippines challenging homespun favourite Gideon Buthelezi for the vacant IBO world mini flyweight title, Isaac “The Golden Boy” Chilembe fighting national champion Rupert “The Natural” Van Aswegen for the vacant WBC International light heavyweight crown and Jason Bedeman staking his unbeaten record, along with his IBO Africa lightweight title against the superbly skilled Bongani Dlamini. Local heavyweight prospect Flo “The Demolition Man” Simba has his fifth professional outing in a slated six rounds against Elvis Moyo.

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