Malcolm Klassen and Kevin Lerena will be the big attractions on Golden Gloves’ next bill – Palace Storm – which takes place at Emperors Palace on Monday September 29.
The recent rapprochement between Golden Gloves and Team Smith means that Klassen benefits from the new arrangement, which has already seen stablemate Lerena in action.
Klassen hasn’t fought since last May, when he got the rough end of an absurd decision against Will Tomlinson in Australia. Subject to Boxing South Africa’s approval, he’s lined up against Benin’s Justin Savi, 26-2, 17 KO’s, who has boxed all over Europe, the USA and Africa. Reports point to a big puncher with above average skills. In his biggest win, Savi captured the WBC Silver belt four years ago.
Klassen, of course, is a former world champion whose calling card is his inconsistency. He either dazzles or disappoints. Given that he’s 33 and at the tail-end of his career, he would be well advised to demonstrate the former when he makes his return.
Lerena, meanwhile, will continue his education against a familiar foe in Gogita Gorgiladze. The Georgian has a have-bags-will-travel attitude. He’s had a dozen fights since his only stoppage defeat – to Junior Makabu in SA last year – and clearly likes to keep busy.
With 25 fights under his belt, he is the ideal sort of opponent for Lerena. The “KO Kid” needs to deliver on his reputation – only one KO in his last five fights – but will find that Gorgiladze knows full well how to survive in the trenches.
“We all know what Malcolm is about,” said promoter Rodney Berman. “On his day he is unbeatable, but he can go walkabout. He will undoubtedly be ring-rusty, but I hope to see signs that he still has it. I’m just happy to keep Kevin busy. He’s exciting and appeals to the younger generation, which is what boxing needs.”
