Boxing promotion organisation Golden Gloves Promotions has been hard at work behind the scenes with the sport’s governing body, Boxing South Africa (BSA), towards the safe and successful return of some squared-circle action.
Golden Gloves has been on the record for a while now that it’s been ready to host what will be the first boxing event of the year at the home of South African boxing, Emperors Palace, on October 10.
The last piece of the puzzle that was remaining for all systems go was the go-ahead by sport minister Nathi Mthethwa after Golden Gloves and all involved to prove their state of readiness.
The sport ministry has since given the go-ahead and boxing fans can now look forward to Golden Gloves’ first show of the year: Back 4 Battle.
True to its name, the event includes four bumper fights, including three title fights and the third and fourth place 4@War junior middleweight bout which will see Roarke Knapp take on Boksburg’s own Tristan Truter.
The clash is set to open proceedings on the night.
The final of the 4@War top four tournament, contested between World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan African junior middleweight champion Boyd Allen and Brandon Thysse, will headline proceedings with the winner set to take it all, including the best junior middleweight title and a prestigious diamond ring.
The other two bouts which round-up the bill will see WBA Pan African welterweight champion Jabulani Makhense put his belt on the line against Erik Kapia.
Elsewhere, Chris Thompson will challenge Akani Phuzi for his WBA Pan African cruiserweight strap.
Commenting on the return of boxing made official, Golden Gloves event coordinator Jeffrey Ellis said: “It’s been extremely frustrating for boxing worldwide and it’s such a relief that we are now back. With some of the fighters, boxing is all they do. They don’t have day jobs: thank goodness we are back,” he said, before explaining how the event was made possible.
“We’ve been in constant and close communication with the WBA and BSA in planning the event. We’ve adhered to everything that’s been required of us. We cannot take a single chance: every boxer on the bill, their sparring partners and trainers have been tested and have all come back with negative results.
“We are going to go into the ‘bubble’, which is the Emperors Palace hotel, from October 4 and we’re going to be there until the event. Match officials won’t be in the bubble, so they will be tested three days before fight night.
“We also have a standby fight in case we have a fall-out because of Covid-19. I believe this sort of event which will have no fans is the first of its kind in Africa and it will be a success. We are ready,” said Ellis.
Fight card:
Standby bout: SA Cruiserweight title – eight rounds
Keaton Gomes vs Lebo Mashitoa
Bout 1: 4@War third and fourth place
Junior middleweight – eight rounds
Roarke Knapp vs Tristan Truter
Bout 2: WBA Pan African welterweight title – 10 rounds
Jabulani Makhense vs Erik Kapia
Bout 3: WBA Pan African cruiserweight title – 10 rounds
Chris Thompson vs Akani Phuzi
Bout 4: 4@War final WBA Pan African junior middleweight title – 10 rounds
Brandon Thysse vs Boyd Allen
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