Golden Gloves

South Africa’s Tshifhiwa “Atomic Spider” Munyai (20-2-1) is set for a return meeting with Mexico’s Christian Esquivel (20-2) after a very strong recommendation by WBC President Jose Sulaiman. The 26-year-old Munyai, who holds the WBA International bantamweight crown, travelled to Mexico on very short notice to challenge Esquivel for the vacant WBC Silver world bantamweight title belt last weekend and according to most reports, the South African was “robbed” of a victory en route to dropping a 12-round decision.

The Munyai camp were naturally furious after seeing their fighter deprived of a clean-cut knockout in the final round. “Esquivel was on the canvas and was saved by the bell” said an irate Elias Tshabalala, whose the Atomic Spider’s trainer. “When last was a boxer saved by the bell? That ruling went out with Chelsea boots”.

Well the WBC have clearly acted upon all the post-fight criticism and Golden Gloves Promotions CEO Rodney Berman received an official communiqué from that sanctioning body’s President Jose Sulaiman yesterday. “I have to applaud the WBC for acting so expediently in this matter and naturally we’ll be in the mix when the return match goes to purse bids” said Berman, who’s currently in the USA to attend Saturday night’s IBF world lightweight title bout between Ji Hoon Kim (who Berman co-promotes) and Miguel Vasquez.

According to WBC President Jose Sulaiman, and I quote: “ My dear good friend, I feel very disappointed at the performance of the ring officials of the Esquivel versus Munyai WBC Silver Belt fight this past Saturday night in Mexico City. The WBC appointed a judge from California, a judge from Texas and a referee from Panama with our complete commitment to justice and fairness. I watched the fight on television and though it was a very close fight, it is my opinion that the scoring favoured your boxer who also had the Mexican fighter almost out in round 12. The WBC is going to appoint a committee to review this fight and it will be my personal proposal to order a rematch. Please accept my sincere regards and we will communicate very soon. Jose Sulaiman”.

Naturally GGP Promoter Berman is delighted at the prospect of his current WBA International bantamweight king (Munyai) obtaining a second bite at the WBC Silver championship belt and will act upon the WBC review committee’s findings.