Prospects at the Palace boxing tournament was not just a spur of the moment idea. Bringing clear cut boxing to the spectators emerged from AfricanRings’ Jeff Ellis when he staged the first tournament at the end of 2015 on a Sunday.
The second was brought to boxing fans on Sunday, February 7 which was held at Emperors Palace. More than 1 500 spectators turned out to watch as young talent took to the ring and performed well in the co-host AfricanRing and Golden Gloves promotions at the Sunday afternoon tournament.
Promoter Rodney Berman said two more of these will await the boxing fraternity before the end of the year. “Nobody else is doing it, so why not? We want to give opportunities and nurture youngsters. I saw some real talent out there . . . The charisma and class of someone like Joshua Studdard was plain to see.”
Eleven bouts were staged, producing seven knockouts.
The main bout saw DeeJay Kriel in the six-rounder junior-flyweight division winning the fight on a points decision 60/53, 60/53, 57/56 over Khotle Morabedi.
The best fight of the afternoon, Lucky Mongebane and Xolani Mgidi, in the lightweight division was won by Mgidi on a points decision 38/38, 39/37, 39/37.
Middleweight Brandon Thysse held on to his winning ways when he overpowered Philp Dlamini.
In the welterweight division, Thulani Mbenge KO’d Andile Mabalusa in the first round.
Joshua Studdard’s right hand earned him a KO against Mthobisi Nkosi in the first.
Jeffrey Magagane dispatched of Stanley Motsweyane via a first-round KO in a welterweight match-up.
Featherweight Anthony Malosane beat Nyiko Ndukula on a points decision – 40/35, 39/36, 40/34.
Junior-flyweight, Nyelasani Thamabega was stopped in the first round by Sihle Lelwane.
Bantamweight Ronald Malindi scored a devastating knockout against hapless Thamsanqa Cele in the first.
Lightweight Michael Mokoena defeated Lusindiso Mlamlama by TKO into the fourth round.
