In a historic and emotionally charged moment for South African boxing, a new chapter begins as Donjuan van Heerden steps into the ring under the Golden Gloves banner.
This is the same promotion that guided his older brother, Chris van Heerden, to international acclaim.
As Chris announces his retirement, having completed a remarkable career, the torch is now being passed to Donjuan, signalling the continuation of a powerful family legacy in the sport.
Rodney Berman, the founder of Golden Gloves, has been the cornerstone of South African boxing for decades. Known for his keen eye for talent and unmatched promotional acumen, Berman played a pivotal role in Chris’ rise to prominence.
Under Berman’s guidance, Chris captured the IBO Welterweight Title in 2011 and defended it twice, including a notable victory against Matthew Hatton in Johannesburg.
Berman’s influence on Chris’s career extended beyond the ring, helping to build a global profile that saw Chris fight on major stages around the world, including Madison Square Garden and against top contenders like Errol Spence Jr.
Chris, also known as ‘The Heat’, leaves behind an impressive legacy. With a professional record of 28 wins, three losses, and one draw, including 12 knockouts, Chris’s career was marked by resilience and determination.
His victory over Matthew Hatton to retain his IBO title and his bouts against elite opponents such as Errol Spence Jr are testaments to his skill and heart as a fighter.
Chris’s career took him from the local rings of South Africa to the bright lights of international arenas, embodying the true spirit of a champion. His retirement marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of another, as his brother Donjuan steps forward to carry the Van Heerden name into the future.
At just 23 years old, under the management of South Africa’s top female boxing manager Colleen McAusland, Donjuan is already making waves in the boxing world. With a professional record of nine wins and two losses, including six knockouts, Donjuan has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.
His early career has been marked by impressive victories, including a string of knockouts that earned him the Boxing SA Prospect of the Year award in 2023. The timing of this transition couldn’t be more poignant. As Chris retires, Donjuan joins the same promotion that elevated his brother’s career, symbolising the unbroken lineage of dedication and passion within the Van Heerden family.
This moment is not just about a new fighter rising; it’s about the continuation of a legacy that Rodney Berman has carefully cultivated over the years—a legacy of producing champions, overcoming odds, and making history.
Donjuan’s decision to join Golden Gloves is both a nod to his brother’s legacy and a statement of his ambitions to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Berman’s contribution to South African boxing is unparalleled. He has not only promoted fights but has also nurtured dreams, built careers, and created legends. As Donjuan van Heerden embarks on his professional journey with Golden Gloves, it is clear that Berman’s impact will continue to shape the future of South African boxing.
The Van Heerden brothers’ story is a testament to Berman’s vision – a vision that has defined South African boxing for generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.
With Donjuan stepping into the ring, the future of South African boxing looks brighter than ever, and Rodney Berman’s unmatched legacy as the greatest promoter in South African boxing history lives on.
