Golden Gloves

Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman has laid down plans for his February boxing bash at Emperors Palace, South Africa, and included the names of four of his consortium’s most marketable fighters. Indeed, if things go according to plan, Berman will have a veritable fistic extravaganza on his hands, notwithstanding the bonanza international tournament he has planned for mid-2010 to coincide with next year’s World Cup Football competition.

“We are looking to stage a return bout between IBO world welterweight champion Lovemore Ndou and Matthew Hatton; and since the fighters slugged it out to a blistering draw this weekend, there should be loads of interest in the rematch” said Berman. “Moreover, we’ll also be featuring our latest promotional acquisition, Tshifhiwa Munyai (18-1-1) who happens to be the WBA Intercontinental bantamweight champion and Commonwealth bantamweight titleholder. Make no mistake, Munyai is a glittering talent and he’ll be involved in a championship bout on the evening, although I cannot, at this stage of negotiations, reveal what title will be at stake or who he’ll be boxing” said Berman.

Then too, current WBA Pan African super middleweight champion Tommy “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen will be determined to stretch his 10-bout unbeaten streak when he meets a top-level opponent from overseas, and Berman revealed that both his American business associate art Pellulo (Banner Promotions) and Ricky Hatton Promotions were exceptionally keen on including Oosthuizen on their tournament rosters for 2010.

“Tommy is ‘hot stuff’, he really is and 2010 will be the year that he adds a fourth championship strap to his collection” concluded Berman.

Last but by no means least, IBO Africa junior flyweight king Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler, whose also undefeated as a professional, will be in action against a highly ranked world title contender, and indications are that, providing he’s victorious on the night, he’ll be fighting for the IBO world title in his next fight. “Who knows, it may even be on our February line-up, but at present it is far too soon to say” concluded Berman.

And Flo Simba? This 20-year-old South Hills heavyweight had a sensational debut at Emperors Palace last month, when he won his first professional bout on a 1st round knockout, and Berman intends marketing him bigger than any other local dreadnought in recent tales. “He is aptly nicknamed ‘Demolition Man’, and what with his charming good looks, elegance and frightening knockout power, he’ll most certainly be included on some of Art Pellulo and Ricky Hatton fight cards in 2010″ said Berman. Before wrapping up, the CEO of Golden Gloves quipped; “The kid is a phenomenal prospect and we will not risk him against any boxer we don’t personally approve of”.