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There is again a very real step of urgency for all fight lovers who happen to be heavyweight fans! Let’s face it, the general public can say what they want about the other 17 weight divisions in boxing, but there’s a perceptible fancy for the big guns, or if you prefer ‘dreadnoughts’! For a country that has had more than it’s fair share of heavyweights; and INDEED heavyweight champions; Gerrie Coetzee, Frans Botha and Corrie Sanders, the current scenario is worth speculating upon again, albeit from a sense of this country’s most recent heavyweights of renown, both of whom rate as profound talents.
Naturally I speak of Flo Simba (21) and Johnny Muller (20) both coached by Harold Volbrecht and managed by Brian Mitchell.
That these two blistering punchers are both booked to appear on the Emperors Palace CRUNCH TIME on September 18, that features two world titles; the IBO world welterweight bout between Australia-based Lovemore Ndou and Bongani Mwelase and the IBO world minimum weight contest between Gideon Buthelezi and Julius Alcos of the Philippines, is no surprise and I doubt whether they will be any main line event at Emperors Palace in the next year in which neither man will appear. That is if our pair of heavyweight thumpers continue to progress up the heavyweight path.
Oh yes, there are several more mouth-watering morsels, such as the Rosettenville Jason “Badman” Bedeman and Sam Amaoak of Ghana, and if one is to be believed, the 21-year-old Bedeman will seek to keep his record clean by another kayo, which would bring his record to 13-0-2, with 11 knockouts in anticipation of the biggest fight of his life.
This past week, however, Golden Gloves Promotions announced that SA heavyweight champion Osborne “Big Daddy” Machimane (18-6-1, with 13 knockouts) will be rejoining Elias Tshabalala and while he is yet to fashion in any of our projected schemes, you can bet that the 32-year-old champion will be watching the progress of Simba and Muller, both of whom he highly respects!
Muller (21) who could well be in Spartan training, has steadily moving down to the cruiserweight limit, but will be fighting the much heavier Elvis Moyo and if the big guy, who went the distance with Flo Simba, manages to last the 6-slated rounds, it will be a feather in Moyo caps. I don’t see it happening, however and if punching effectiveness is one of the most sought after assets a fighter can own, Muller will certainly be around for a long time! Simba will face Paakwesi Ankrah of Ghana and it’s noteworthy that the huge foreigner has already fought for ABU Africa heavyweight titles, though without much success. Accustomed as one is of seeing the 21-year-old Simba’s opponents fall like dead cattle, I’d like to see a fighter who can at least make the good-looking Simba’s life more interesting, lets say for four or five months!
September 08, 2010 at 10:31 am, straight right said:
Muller has not boxed very good boxers. He has a lot of work that needs to be done before he can be considered good and miles to go before we call him great.
September 08, 2010 at 12:30 pm, Shawn said:
Agreed Muller has a lot of work to be done but come on, the kid has tremendous potential and is good at the moment. He will be great.
September 08, 2010 at 12:41 pm, Eckard said:
The young Muller was a kid of 18 when he started 18 months ago as a professional and most of his fights were against guys 10-30 kgs heavier than him and he has knocked all of 2 of them out. Pretty impressive I would say
September 08, 2010 at 12:43 pm, Eckard said:
The young Muller was a kid of 18 when he started 18 months ago as a professional and most of his fights were against guys 10-30 kgs heavier than him and he has knocked all but 2 of them out. Pretty impressive I would say
September 08, 2010 at 12:45 pm, christo said:
Young Johnny Muller might not be considered great at the moment but damn, I’ve seen this kid improved by miles since he joined Harold a few months ago. My point is, he has a world of potential and follows instructions and advice to the T. He will be great because he has the potential.
September 08, 2010 at 12:51 pm, pete said:
Look guys, both Flo and Johnny have a long way to go. Keep in mind Flo doesn’t have training as an ammateur and is faring very well. In fact he will be great some day. Johnny has improved so much in the last few months and we already know he has a hell of a lot of power in his right hand. He is damn good and will also become great.
September 08, 2010 at 3:38 pm, Terry Pettifer said:
Johnny is one of the most “prized” talents I know!
September 08, 2010 at 6:05 pm, Roberto said:
You guys must be careful not to use the word great too quickly. There are home boxers and there are great boxers.I’m looking forward to the september show. Hopefully i’ll be able to see if muller and simba are any home.even if they win in impressive style,it wouldn’t mean much because of the the level of opposition
September 08, 2010 at 6:14 pm, Roberto said:
terry i beg your pardon but please explain to me why and how is it that you say johnny muller is one of most prized talents you know. How is that?
September 08, 2010 at 8:00 pm, "Uppercut" said:
I got a lot of respect for the young Muller.He behave himself like a gentleman outside the ring.His first few fights he was very rough .I think he is more calm now and that will lengthen his career .Look after the KID he will make it big one day
September 08, 2010 at 9:26 pm, Roberto said:
interesting facts about flo and johnny’s next opponents. Johnny’s opponent has had 3 fights,3 losses,2 by knockout. Flo’s opponent has done better. Winning 1 out of 4 and losing 3 by knockout. So tell me now honestly mr Terry, how can those be fair matches?
September 08, 2010 at 9:49 pm, "Uppercut" said:
Hi Roberto,mentioning the records of Johnny and Flo’s opponents.Elvis Moyo got now record,if anybody calls that a record, I don’t know,but remember at this moment there are not many opponents. Isaac Paakwesi 3 off the 4 fights were title fights so I don’t know if that can be right.This man stood 5 rd with Joseph chingangu that says a lot .Lets see what happens on the 18th
September 08, 2010 at 9:59 pm, Roberto said:
He stood 5 rounds with joseph chingango 2 years ago. And who is joseph chingango? What was his claim to fame?
September 08, 2010 at 11:05 pm, "Uppercut" said:
One hell of a puncher.Joseph is 43 years ,but I can tell you a lot of heavy weights are still scared off him.He doesn’t have to be on top to knock guys out.I would like to see any of our heavy weights take this old man on for 6 rounds
September 09, 2010 at 6:18 am, Roberto said:
You’d like to see any of our heavy weights take him on?? We dont have any good heavy weights. Joseph is 43,washed up.Flo’s opponent must be rubbish,for losing by knockout to a 43yr old. Its a mismatch.both are flo and johnny’s fights.if they’re going to be champions then they should not be given walk overs all the time.Elvís Moyo was knocked out twice by a small cruiser weight in junior makeba yet flo is supposed to be congo’s prospect of the year at heavyweight and couldn’t do the same.
September 09, 2010 at 7:47 am, Bjorn said:
Man i love your comments Roberto so true, so true!!!!
September 09, 2010 at 8:24 am, Roberto said:
Thanks Bjorn. I try to be as honest as possible. With all due respect to Golden gloves. I think they’re the best promoters in Africa but making matches like these will turn fans away from boxing. One day when these 2 do step up, they wont be ready dos the true world class league
September 09, 2010 at 9:49 am, straight right said:
Not only do you make sense. But you know what you are talking about. You see Roberto if you box for Harold and Brian you are some how given the golden ticket for easy fights. Yet the boxing publisity you get from this site is just great.
I wonder why?
September 09, 2010 at 10:14 am, Roberto said:
Yeah i know those boxers get more publicity but at the end of the day it’s just a quick fix because by them fighting bum of the month wont help their careers long term. As soon as they fight someone who’s true world class,then they’ll not know what hit them.It’ll be like throwing a baby in the deep end and he cant swim.I dont mind them having a walk over now and then just to earn a payday but every 2nd or 3rd fight they should have a hard fight.Otherwise they’ll never be ready dos the big boys
September 09, 2010 at 10:42 am, Superman said:
It is easy to hit a opponent but if he start hitting back and can take it back then we can find out if flo an johnny are the real deal. I think johnny has a chance to make it but flo I dont know!
September 09, 2010 at 12:28 pm, pete said:
Roberto I get what you are saying and don’t think I don’t appreciate the straight talk. I honestly think that in especially the young Muller we might have a FUTURE in Cruiser or maybe later on Heavyweight in the International world. He is still a young fighter but he is willing and learns quickly.
September 09, 2010 at 12:34 pm, Martin said:
I’ve seen all the comments from you Roberto and I agree with your comments especially about Jarred. I do however disagree about young Johnny. I’ve followed his career since he started pro 18 months ago. A bit of a wild card in the beginning but an absolute star now. He listens to his trainer that is evident. He has the power and can develop into an exellent talent. I for one am behind this young man 100%. Yes, Elvis Moyo doesn’t have much of a record but he has shown us he is not to be underestimated. No boxer record or not should ever be underestimated. That is exactly the mistake the trainers of young Johnny’s opponents made when he turned pro.
September 09, 2010 at 12:35 pm, Tanya said:
Amen to that Terry. I know you are such a specialist in boxing and you know your boxers and boxing. Johnny might be young and still learning but he will make it big.
September 09, 2010 at 12:38 pm, freddie said:
Win or loose, I’m behind Muller. Agreed the kid has a long way to go but some people still has to learn what “prospect” means… I have booked my seat to support this young man on the 18th.
September 09, 2010 at 12:39 pm, christo said:
Johnny you will be a champ some day, we know it. We believe in you and we support you all the way. Same goes for you Flo, you are both up and coming stars.
September 09, 2010 at 12:44 pm, hercules said:
What a load of BS. Of course these two youngsters get a lot of publicity, they are well on their way to success and deserve all the good publicity. Why should any promoter, after his boxers defeated their opponent, have negative things to say? Johnny you are a great boxer! The improvement that I’ve seen in the last few months is clearly visible. Keep up the spirit and good work.
September 09, 2010 at 12:46 pm, dennis said:
Terry I agree, young Muller is a true talent and with the right guidance and training will become great. He has such potential! The proof is in the pudding and Johnny will show what he’s made of!
September 09, 2010 at 12:47 pm, Zain said:
Yep, some boxer without any rating must have beat the crap out of Roberto! Joke. Respectfully Roberto, you know boxing and we need critics like you as well but I know Muller will still change your mind about him. I was also not a fan in the beginning but this kid has changed my mind. Go Johnny!
September 09, 2010 at 12:56 pm, Roberto said:
we’ll see what happens in his next fight. He’s fighting a guy with 3 fights and 3 losses. Surely Johnny boy will win in impressive style if he hopes to one day become champion
September 09, 2010 at 12:57 pm, Roberto said:
have you ever boxed Zain?
September 09, 2010 at 12:58 pm, Zain said:
As a matter of fact I have Roberto and I know both these guys will surely kick my butt!
September 09, 2010 at 1:00 pm, fan said:
Roberto I am a Big fan of Budler
To me he is a great boxer.
Do you agree
September 09, 2010 at 1:13 pm, Roberto said:
Ok good mr Zain. Fan,I think hekkie is good for south african boxing. I believe he used to be a good amateur. Unfortunately I wont say he’s a great boxer. He’s a good boxer but not great. And he, limited. He’ll keep defending his IBO scrap but he wont bect these hardened mexicans who all fight for the proper belts. But still, good luck to him,he’s very likable
September 09, 2010 at 1:34 pm, Britt said:
Yoh Clean out the mouths with soap, the truth makes all heads turn’ Roberto your comments are well respected boet but one thing is for sure’ you can’t look into the future, you can maybe predict all your’ fancy words and boxing knowledge allows you to, but one thing I could assure you my dear web-friend’ you’ll never change the future and I believe deep in my heart, if our home-town champs improve and believe me I stand under argument sake, they will improve and one or two of them may for-fill your prediction but mark my words, your up for one heck’ of a rude awaking.
God bless.
September 09, 2010 at 3:46 pm, Roberto said:
I’m sure they will improve.I hope they become champions.But you must also realise that not every boxer is gonna be world champ.Some boxers are limited to South African level and will do well against local oppositon,dos example harold volbregt.nobody here could bect him,he holds the record dos most title defences but he faultered against the best.he twice failed to win a proper world title.At the end of the day,a boxer can train as hard as he wants to but ‘Can the man do it’ is what it boils down to
September 09, 2010 at 4:01 pm, Britt said:
Like I stated Roberto some of your prediction will be for-filled but not all there are some of out Spartans which will dominant the world stage.
September 09, 2010 at 4:15 pm, Roberto said:
Who are those who will dominate the world stage?
September 09, 2010 at 9:32 pm, fan of the GUN said:
Roberto, what are your views regarding Tommy Gun & his opponent Isaac Chilembe? And who are the SA boxers that you fancy, and why?
September 09, 2010 at 10:04 pm, "Uppercut" said:
Fan of the Gun,it looks like Roberto fancy now one in S.A boxing.Every time some one ask him that question he does not respond.So come on Roberto give us your answer.It looks like you do know your boxing ,so step up to the plate
September 09, 2010 at 10:08 pm, Roberto said:
I think its a dangerous fight for tommy.But if he can beat chelembe and beat him well then tommy’s going places.isaac is world class.he did well to win the WBC international title against a strong opponent who kept coming.I’m just worried about chelembe’s weight.or maybe he just had an off night in his last fight because he didn’t box well.if its the same chelembe who won the wbc belt then tommy’s in trouble.somebody recently said on here tommy struggled in sparring against chelembe.i asked him why did he struggle but he did not reply
September 09, 2010 at 10:12 pm, Roberto said:
Uppercut i’ll step up. But there are so many boxers, so give me the names of your 5 or 6 favourite sa boxers and i’ll give you my thoughts on them
September 09, 2010 at 10:25 pm, "Uppercut" said:
Roberto see what you think of these guys and this are in S.A only:Tommy Gun,Nkosinathi Joyi,Ali Funeka;Johnny muller ;Kaiser Mabusa ;Flo Simba and last Oscar chauke
September 09, 2010 at 10:49 pm, Roberto said:
Ali Funeka is good and has had a taste of the big time but he did not succeed.Would like to see more of him. Joyi,i’ve not studied him yet.dont see much of him on tv,i’ve heard about kaizer mabuza but aint seen him either,oscar chauke seems like he’s been around for ages but hasn’t really won any major honours,unless i’m thinkin bout another oscar.could be mistaken.johnny muller and flo simba both a bit overrated.especially when it’s still early days for them but their promoter is putting huge pressure on them with all the publicity and mentioning them in use same sentence as other former local heavyweight legends.I wont be able to make a proper judgement on them after their next fights because of the lack of poor quality opponents they’re facing.even if they win by knockout,it wouldn’t tell me much and i wouldn’t be impressed.tommy is quite talented.very tall for super middle,punches hard but has too many mistakes.and considering he’s already won 2 belts,i dont think those mistakes will easily be corrected.he’s set in his ways.he has his hands down style and money will change him
September 09, 2010 at 10:53 pm, Roberto said:
meant to say ‘nobody’ will be able to change him. Not money. Nobody
September 09, 2010 at 11:18 pm, "Uppercut" said:
Roberto you might be right about Tommy,I just think this kid can give a punch and take one.Hope he make it far in hi career.Kaiser stop Kendall holt in his last fight and nobody gave him a chance.So Roberto what are these many boxers names you talking about
September 10, 2010 at 6:34 am, Roberto said:
Ok good point. If kaizer mabuza stopped holt then heriould get more publicity. The general public should know about him. Thats another problem with south african boxing. The public only know a few boxers. We’re very bad at marketng. The promoters dont advertise their shows and their boxers because they dont want to give out that money. Seems like they just want wan want. Damn I dont follow cage fighting that seriously but i know more cage fighters because i’ve seen big billboards next to the road advertising a cage tournament.i thought wow thats a lot of publicity.no wonder the coca cola dome is sold out when there’s cage fighting because the promoters have spent a lot of money on marketing.all0hat a boxing promoter pays dos is boxers,hall,admin,doctor,officials etc etc
September 10, 2010 at 8:30 am, On the Money said:
And that is why boxing in SA is on the downward spiral. its only a matter of time before EFC gets the live shows on Supersport ahead of boxing.
They have the mix just right. Lights, music, girls, 7000 people, decent commentators, cauldren environment and that cage. Its much more appealing. MMA is boring in general but every now and then there is a great fight. They charge R750 for a ringside ticket, the demand is there and so is the prestige in having one.
The marketing of boxing in SA is narrow-minded and conservative. The mjority of promotors in this country are involved in an ‘old-boys club’ who control everything. This will lead to the demise as they dont allow fresh directions on promotions so they can keep all the money in-house. Evolve or die!
GGP you need to drop more dollar on production desperately and make it more like and ESPN FNF production otherwise you will be left behind very very soon.
I see the fall of boxing sanctioning bodies in the next 10 years. Fights will no longer be fought for a belt. The television networks control everything and they can put on massive fights for money. I think its a good thing as I dont see the point of bodies like the WBC and especially the WBA. All they do is manufacture title belts to charge fees and line their pockets.
Grim.
September 10, 2010 at 8:39 am, "Uppercut" said:
Yes you right ,our boxers do need more publicity,thats the only way you going to know more about our boxers.I don’t follow cage fighting at all,but I do see all the adverts about them.So maybe our promoters must look at there marketing side of boxing.
September 10, 2010 at 8:42 am, Britt said:
Grim you seem passionate about fighting, but I agree with you why don’t GGP get a big bill board up, advertising and promoting the “hate” fight against Tommy & Isaac, I mean more hype more tickets get sold, Right?
September 10, 2010 at 8:47 am, Britt said:
Uppercut, you’ve been to the big stage’s you’ve fought the big names, whats the difference fighting a local fighter, then fighting a future world champion.
September 10, 2010 at 8:49 am, "Uppercut" said:
Good said Britt.These to boxers can fill a arena.Let get it going Mr “T”
September 10, 2010 at 8:50 am, Britt said:
Amen to the bill board things Roberto…
September 10, 2010 at 8:55 am, Britt said:
Uppercut, I’ rate a fight like Tommy-gun v.s Isaac could fill a Coca cola dome once, with the right publicity and marketing, impossible is noting
September 10, 2010 at 10:05 am, Boxing fan said:
Roberto. Do not know who you are. But I think
our boxers are great. Budler will make it big.
I will give you the letter.
September 10, 2010 at 12:30 pm, Zain said:
Oh yes, boxing has to be advertised bigger in this country.
September 10, 2010 at 12:31 pm, dennis said:
Agreed we need to put boxing out there. Its such an electrifying experience attending the bills, come on GGP.
September 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm, Tanya said:
I remember when I was a child you could name any boxer even if he wasn’t the champ and we would recognise the name. We would sit in front of the tv or radio and listen to the fights. Guys like Tommy, Johnny, Flo etc all serious up and coming stars work hard and want to achieve success, lets reward them with the necessary publicity. Britt, I have no doubt Tommy will beat Isaac, Johnny will destroy Elvis and Flo will do the same.
September 10, 2010 at 12:35 pm, Martin said:
Since we started attending at Emperors we never miss a bill.
September 10, 2010 at 12:36 pm, Shawn said:
I get what you saying Tanya, same here. Since we were told about young Muller me and my mates go especially to cheer for him. We were blessed seeing not only Muller but Tommy, Flo, Joey as well.
September 10, 2010 at 3:04 pm, Simon said:
Just a reminder that GGP has said on this website that it’s looking into getting involved in MMA. But I agree with above comments on a need to market our fighters better.
September 10, 2010 at 4:35 pm, Roberto said:
Tanya let me just help you there. Yes johnny and simba should both win by knockouts because to be fair,they’re fighting bums of the month.And dont be so sure about tommy boy beating isaac. Isaac is a good boxer. The only way tommy can win that one is by knockout. He will not outbox isaac
September 10, 2010 at 6:33 pm, "Uppercut" said:
As you say Roberto They might be fighting Bums and they have to knock them out.They will do that in style and get the money for it.After the fight we all will still support our two boxers.You say the only way Tommy will beat isaac is by knockout,then that is what you will get.Tommy is to fast for isaac and a class a both him.
September 10, 2010 at 6:40 pm, Roberto said:
Yeah they’ll bect the bums of the months, and get paid dos it but the paying jo public wastes his money on a mismatch. Let me tell you something. Flo is oughoi. He wont be champ. He couldn’t knock out a guy who’s only had 2 fights and was knocked out in both against a cruiser. So what does that tel you? They cant fool me. Put flo in against better opposition so that we can see if this boy lives up to the hype of his promoters
September 10, 2010 at 10:37 pm, Simon said:
Roberto you can’t blame GGP for pushing the credentials of their fighters. That’s their job. So we then saw your comments (dozens of them) about how overated Flo and Johnny are in your mind. If you’re going to make so many comments, why not make them a bit more diverse. The thread gets boring with you harping on and on about the same thing.
September 11, 2010 at 7:02 am, Roberto said:
ok simon. I hope muller and flo succeed. I think golden gloves is the best promoter in africa.they’re shows are rovererting and glamorous.and like i said,if i do watch local boxing,i only watch their shows.good luck to all their boxers.i’m looking forward to 2 fights’s ndou vs mwlase and chelembe vs tommy.Mwlase should win but i think making welterweight will take away his strength.
September 11, 2010 at 4:01 pm, "Uppercut" said:
Roberto the other day you mound about paying a R100 to go and watch boxing.Maybe you must go and get a video and sit at home with mommy and sulk;then we don’t have to here how unhappy you are.There are Fans out there who do like our boxers.Now either WAKE UP or SHUT UP
September 11, 2010 at 7:10 pm, Roberto said:
uppercut,you know i like it when a brother like you acts tough over internet. Makes me smile.I understand this is golden gloves’s website.but unfortunately not everybody will agree on certain boxers.so pick your dummy up and do me a favour,save your personal insults for another place and another man.you dont intimidate me. Try to keep it professional and stick to the topic. Capish
September 12, 2010 at 12:31 pm, Britt said:
Roberto do you know who uppercut is, the worlds best could drop him, please re-think your comments. Britt
September 12, 2010 at 2:50 pm, Roberto said:
makes no difference to me who uppercut is. You said the world’s best could drop uppercut?? That doesn’t make sense
September 13, 2010 at 10:32 am, Simon said:
Ja guys, I think lets leave this topic for now and save our professional comments for other articles. Brit your comment doesn’t make sense anyway which tells me this topic is done and dusted. I wont be revisiting this thread
September 15, 2010 at 3:35 pm, flo simba fan said:
HI GUYS LETS STAY BY THE COMMENTS AND LEAVE THE FIGHTS FOR OUR BOXERS TO DO