SA boxing taken by "Storm Lovett"!

30 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

Twenty-one-year-old Jared Lovett (7-0) has taken South African boxing by storm! Moreover, it's no coincidence that this writer elected to nickname the Southern Suburbs puncher "The Storm" after he'd turned professional in 2007.

A good-looking light heavyweight, Lovett, in fact looks like he may end up fighting cruiserweight and last night (November 29) at the Wembley Indoor Arena his speed, power and remorseless savagery completely annihilated a brave but totally outclassed Ronnie "The Punisher" Lategan in the second round of their catchweight encounter.

The bout itself captured the imagination of the local fistic fraternity and for the first time in many years, the Wembley Arena was almost filled to capacity. Unsurprisingly most fans were there to see Lovett gobble up his most challenging adversary to date, although to see the dark-haired Rosettenville boxer accomplish the trick, you would hardly have guessed it.

Lategan, whose as gallant a fighter as we've seen in recent years, had no answer to the relentless storm of leather that crashed against his jaw, ribcage and arms and the bout effectively ceased to be a contest after only two minutes of fighting!

That the referee allowed the one-sided slaughter to continue as long as it did, angered more than a few ringsiders, amongst them yours truly as well as Sowetan newspaper scribe Bongani Magasela.

Will Lovett remain a light heavyweight?

His trainer Colin Nathan wouldn't comment either way after last night's belligerent offering, but then again, he was probably as awe-struck as most of the more than 2,500 patrons present.

While South Africa has never produced a world light heavyweight champion, and Lovett looks like filling out into a fully-fledged cruiserweight, the chances are he'll become the most vibrant local feature attraction since Charlie Weir was smearing opponents all over the canvas during the late seventies. Ironically, one of Weir's boxing stable mates and friends was Aubrey Lovett, the handsome young Jared's father and former amateur coach.

"I'm convinced that Jared will go right to the top" said Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman, who plans to have "The Storm" feature on his February 14 line-up at Emperors Palace. "Then too, he has the charisma and stunning punching power that can fill arenas to the rafters, and once the bell rings he's all killer!"

Like I recently said, there's a storm out there and its name is Jared! Now don't you just ‘LOVE- IT'?

Nathan shaping up as future star trainer

28 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

"Hot Box" Gym trainer Colin Nathan is rapidly building a reputation as one of the most respected young boxing coaches in South Africa. Indeed, Nathan, who happens to be a courteous and polite human being, with a passion for boxing that stretches back to his youth, currently boasts one of the more vibrant boxing stables in the country.

"The majority of my guys are still very young and I'm really looking forward to developing their skills" said the genial Nathan, whose father was once a respected man-about-boxing in the Western Cape.

So who figures prominently in Nathan's gymnasium, which is located in Highlands North? "Grant ‘The Fireball' Fourie (7-0-1) is one of my leading lights at present" says Nathan with a broad smile. "Others who are right up there or thereabouts include Jared Lovett (5-0), Hekkie Budler (9-0) and Kgotla Beati (16-1-1)." Nathan, however, admits that some of his ‘new-bloods' like former Olympian Jackson Chauke (2-0), Owethu ‘Octavius' Mbira (3-0), Charlie Weyers (3-0-1), Ashley Dlamini (2-0) and Joey Stiglingh (1-0) are sensational stars in the making.

"We have such a really exciting group of fighters and the camaraderie is tremendous" concluded Nathan.

For the record, Fourie –who is the son of former SA champion Louie Fourie and nephew to the late, great Pierre –presently competes as a lightweight but there is a definite supposition that he may be better suited fighting as a junior lightweight.

"I'd go with that if it suits Grant" reasoned Nathan.

As for the others, the exciting Hekkie "The Hexecutioner" Budler will soon be challenging for the vacant ABU junior flyweight title and Jared "The Storm" Lovett could conceivably go on to become this land's hottest light heavyweight attraction in years. Then too, there is junior lightweight Owethu "Octavius" Mbira, a naturally skilled boxer-puncher who honed his skills under the watchful eye of amateur mentor Aubrey Lovett (Jared's father).

Ashley Dlamini is a featherweight with loads of potential and he fashioned one of the most impressive amateur resumes in recent years.

Jackson "African Tiger" Chauke needs no introduction to boxing fans, especially since he was South Africa's sole boxing representative at the recent Olympic Games. A lightning-fast puncher, Chauke is destined to become a revelation in the flyweight division.

Charles "Silky Smooth" Weyers is the son of former lightweight star Johan, and although he fought a draw in his last outing, the kid has an abundance of talent.

Last but certainly not least, the fiery Kgotla Dlamini has rejoined Nathan and this big hitting southpaw is sure to set the local lightweight division ablaze in 2009.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that former WBU junior lightweight champion Phillip "The Timebomb" Ndou has been re-licensed and will have his first comeback fight on February 12, 2009 in France. One of the greatest "pound-for-pound" hitters in South African ring history, Ndou (31) will be featured on an international bill as the chief undercard attraction to current IBF featherweight king Cristobal Cruz. Said promoter Rodney Berman, "Phillip has been one of our most loyal and exciting fighters and it's so nice to know that he has been passed 100% fit for action. As a welterweight he'll be sensational and I don't mind saying that we'll be hunting world honours for him within the next nine months".

Berman says 2009 will be Golden Gloves' best year yet!

26 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

While Golden Gloves Promotions calendar for 2008 has already been completed, and with the country gearing up for what promises to be a busy festive season, Promoter Rodney Berman is still hard at work formulating plans for 2009.

Indeed, Berman — whose tireless work ethic is already legendary- never leaves things to chance, and in order to expand the Golden Gloves empire, and his glittering array of stars, the CEO of Africa's most successful boxing consortium won't even hear of taking a break. Not yet, that is. Instead, Berman has mapped out an extensive format that incorporates world title events at Emperors Palace, the United States, France and one or two other foreign destinations.

"We'll soon be entering one of the most exciting eras in the history of South African boxing" said Berman. "In fact, with the breathless selection of young fighters at our disposal, I expect to see a pulsating start to 2009, and don't be surprised if we produce another two or three new world champions before June 2009" said Berman.

So what's on the immediate agenda? Well, for starters, Berman's rip-roaring fistic extravaganza at Emperors Palace on February 14 (St Valentine's Day Massacre) will be featuring an IBO world championship fight between former two-time world titleholder Thomas Mashaba and an opponent yet to be announced, as well as possibly two ABU (African Boxing Union) title bouts, involving junior flyweight sensation Hekkie "Hex-ecutioner" Budler and local heavyweight find Jake Els.

If all goes according to plan, Els will be squaring up to ABU heavyweight king Joseph Chingangu, while Budler will be swapping punches with fellow local gamecock Charity Mukondeleti.

There will also be an outing for light heavyweight prospect Jared "The Storm" Lovett on the undercard.

Bolstered by his business links with Banner Promotions in the United States, Berman will also be aiming to stage at least five tournaments in the land of the dollar next year, and naturally there'll be sizeable exposure for some of our blossoming starlets who'll feature on those televised undercards.

Not forgetting that Berman and his business associate Art Pellulo of Banner Promotions, co-promote both IBO featherweight champion Fernando Beltran and IBF featherweight king Cristobal Cruz, the stage could be set for one or more bonanza events in the first three months of next year. As it is, Cruz –who has been a revelation of late – will be defending his IBF world title in France during February, and providing he's successful, there could be a huge fight further down the road. "Our Mexican world champions are really opening doors for us in the States" said Berman. "Moreover, the VERSUS TV channel has enormous viewership and I've no doubt that every one of our aspiring stars will greatly benefit from being seen on USA television."

Berman confirmed that one of his leading prospects will be fighting on the undercard in France. "At this point in time I cannot say who it will be, but it's definitely one of our most talented young hopefuls" concluded Berman.

Berman to entice ABU heavyweight king Chingangu to fight Els!

23 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman is attempting to entice African Boxing Union heavyweight champion Joseph Chingangu to defend his title at Emperors Palace against local dreadnought Jake Els early in the new year.

In releasing details of his plans, the CEO of Golden Gloves said, "Look its not going to be easy, and Chingangu won't come cheaply, but I definitely feel that Els has a chance of beating the current ABU champion. What with former two-time IBO world champion Thomas Mashaba heading the bill, in another crack at world honours, an ABU heavyweight title fight would be a terrific additional attraction."

Trained by ex-welterweight champion Harold Volbrecht in his past two fights, the 32-year-old Els has shown remarkable improvement and he finally seems to be realising his potential as a heavyweight. "Harold has done wonders for him and I suspect that Jake may knock out Chingangu if we can bring him to South Africa" said Berman.

Another fighter who will feature prominently in Berman's plans for his opening event of 2009 is junior flyweight sensation Hekkie Budler, who too will be hunting ABU championship honours.

The all-action bill has been pencilled in for February 14, which incidentally, is the date of the infamous "St Valentines Day Massacre".

Another boxer who is sure to be targeted for an appearance on the card, is light heavyweight prospect Jared "The Storm" Lovett, who of late has been showing his talents under Jeff Ellis' promotional banner.

Yet as Ellis himself said, "When it comes to taking a fighter to the next level, only Golden Gloves have mastered the art and providing Lovett wins his next fight on November 29 at the Wembley Indoor Arena when he takes on the gutsy Ronnie Lategan, he'll certainly be looking forward to returning to Emperors Palace to again showcase his breathtaking skills."

'Hexecutioner' set for ABU Title shot!

9 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

Hekkie "The Hexecutioner" Budler (8-0) will get the big break of his burgeoning career on February 14 at Emperors Palace Casino, when he fights Hazyview's Charity Mukondeleli for the vacant ABU (African Boxing Union) junior flyweight title. The flaxen-haired Budler, is being groomed for a world title shot within the next eighteen months, and Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman has unashamedly predicted that his young whirlwind performer will go on to become one of the most exciting boxers that the junior flyweight ranks has seen in years.

"Budler is special!" said Berman. "So special, in fact, that I've carefully structured an eight-fight plan, which will place him in the running for a crack at one of boxing's premier world championships".

At age 20, Budler is undoubtedly a terrific prospect, but has Berman not jumped the gun in his expectancy of championship glory for Budler?

"Not at all" said Berman. "Hekkie is a brilliant boxer-puncher and his relationship with trainer Colin Nathan has been a revelation. After another eight fights, and eight victories, he'll be ready for a shot at championship purple, and the financial rewards that come with it" said Berman.

For starters though, Budler will have to concentrate his efforts on the fight with Mukondeleli, who is purportedly a good counter-puncher with plenty of heart.

"We're very keen to give a kid like Mukondeleli a chance of establishing himself on the national circuit, although it has to be said, our prime goal at present is to market Budler, who as it happens is one of Golden Gloves' premier young drawcards" said Berman.

While Berman was reluctant to confirm or deny rumours that another of South Africa's most vibrant young talents was eager to join the Golden Gloves Consortium, he did say that five of his up and coming ‘starlets' would feature prominently on bills at Emperors Palace within the first three months of next year.

"A young fighter with a glowing reputation has confirmed — through his management — that he's keen to sign a contract with us, but for now I'm playing my cards very close to my chest" said Berman.

Nevertheless, the likes of Thomas Oosthuizen, Grant Fourie, "Octavius" Mbira, Ashley Dlamini and of course Hekkie Budler, will henceforth lead the way insofar as the ‘young bloods' at GG are concerned, and there could be at the least, another three new acquisitions to our roll-call of blooming stars for 2009.

"It's strange, but all of a sudden, there's a queue of young fighters with real potential knocking at the door, several of whom could become realistic drawcards in the next twelve months" concluded Berman.

Watch this space for more relevant details!!

Beltran headed for Genuine Greatness In 2009

5 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

With his boxing empire expanding abroad, Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman predicts an explosive start to 2009, when –along with his US business associate art Pellulo — both Cristobal Cruz (IBF featherweight champion) and Fernando Beltran Jnr (IBO featherweight champion) will look to solidify their standing amongst the planets leading world titleholders.

"Cruz has been a revelation, especially after his terrific title-winning performance against Orlando Salido" said Berman. "Now we need Beltran to move forward and win one of the prominent world titles to add to his silverware".

It will be remembered that the gutsy Beltran outpointed South Africa's Takalani Ndlovu in August this year to win the vacant IBO crown, and clearly the hard hitting Mexican has bigger and grander plans waiting down the line.

"Both Art and I believed in Cruz's potential and we were proved correct and much is the same of Beltran, who at age 27 still has a long and way to go" added Berman.

A vigorous infighter, Beltran exchanged hammer blows with Ndlovu before receiving a very close points decision. "That was part of the learning curve and I've no doubt that Fernando will go from strength to strength over the next six months or so. Indeed, there are several tipsters in America who believe that Beltran is headed for greatness" concluded Berman.

Is there a chance of either of his Mexican world champions displaying their talents in South Africa? "Anything is possible especially with Art Pellulo as my business associate" smiled Berman. "Naturally it would elicit the participation of a major US television network as well as M-Net SuperSport to bring one of the really big fights to South Africa, but with the talent at our disposal, that could become a reality in the year ahead".

Sparkling skills of Mbira, Dlamini and Chauke capture media’s attention!

4 November 2008 — Terry Pettifer

Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman is convinced that his present array of renascent talent is the best he's had in all his years as a promoter.

"We've never had it this good, really" said the CEO of Golden Gloves. "In fact you only have to peruse through our sparkling selection of young fighters to become fully aware of the immense depth of talent on our books".

And besides the more visible "champs in the making" such as Hekkie Budler (8-0), Thomas Oosthuizen (4-0) and Grant Fourie (6-0-1), there have emerged another trio of excellent young prospects, who have the makings to go far.

I speak of Ashley Dlamini (2-0), Jackson Chauke (1-0) and the electrifying "Octavius" Mbira (2-0).

That all three fighters happen to be trained by up-and-coming trainer Colin Nathan, is noteworthy, and given this dedicated young mentor's fiercely dedicated approach, it's hardly surprising that boxers are clamouring for his services.

"Colin has grown in stature in recent months and he has a benevolent approach with his fighters which convinces me that he has the ability to develop into a first rate trainer" said Berman.

Former Olympian Jackson Chauke looks to be one of the fastest young local flyweights in years, and he owns a sleep-producing repertoire of punches that should see him rapidly progress up the fistic charts.

Ashley Dlamini is a silvery-smooth featherweight with impressive amateur credentials, and he boxes well from the outside, where his crisp combinations remind one of the great Vuyani Bungu.

Mind you, the fighter who seems to have captured the eye more than most, is the whiplash "Octavius" Mbira, a superbly talented junior lightweight whose looks, rhythm and potency of clout have earmarked him for a meteoric rise as a box-office attraction.

"I'm really very excited with our batch of burgeoning starlets" said Berman. "Fact is, they'll all be marketed very aggressively in 2009, amidst the glamorous surroundings at Emperors Palace, which is now being touted internationally as the new Mecca of South African boxing".

For the record, Berman made note of the following aspects that he feels will catapult his blossoming young tigers to stardom:

Budler: "A blistering boxer-puncher whose improved skills have been clearly evident over the past six months. Only 20-years-old, the "Hexecutioner" looks to have a wonderful future ahead of him, an assumption underlined by our US business associate Art Pellulo".

Oosthuizen: "Far and away the most merciless pound-for-pound hitter in the country at present. Trained by former welterweight great Harold Volbrecht, you can expect to see this fiery young super middleweight appear regularly at Emperors Palace during 2009".

Fourie: "Nephew to the late-great Pierre Fourie, young Grant is a perfect facsimile of what we term a 'boxer/puncher' and he has excellent rudimentary skills, that are complimented by his level of discipline and dedication".

Dlamini: "He could well be the 'sleeper' in the pack, because what he lacks in explosiveness, he more than compensates for in the department of skill. Watch him, he'll go far!"

Mbira: "Okay, so we all love a puncher, but this kid is much more than that! Mbira has a lavish degree of talent and flaunts an arrogant approach that has endeared him to fans who relish the Muhammad Ali type fighter. The new year will see him improve in leaps and bounds, believe me!"

Chauke: "SA boxing's sole representative at the recent Olympic Games, this young fighter has all the flash and dash to make a telling impression as a fledgling professional. Moreover, he can box and punch and throws punches at ninety-to-the dozen. Call him Mr Excitement and you wouldn't be far wrong"