Golden Gloves call off R5m Super Six event

Instead a tournament – headed by a bout in which Thabo Sonjica will defend his IBO super bantamweight title against the Philippines’ 14th-ranked Roli Gasca – has been scheduled in its place.

“Sonjica has emerged as one of South Africa’s most exciting boxers, while fighting mainly in his own backyard in the Eastern Cape and annexing the IBO title,” said Berman on Sunday.

The main reason given for calling off the Super Six tournament was the looming withdrawal of one-time IBO super-middleweight champion Tommy Oosthuizen.

Oosthuizen’s return to the ring after a troubled, controversial absence of almost a year, would have been the main drawcard at the event.

He was scheduled to have made his debut in the higher light-heavyweight division.

Berman said it was now up to Oosthuizen to “turn a corner”.

“He will have to show that he… is ready to do justice to his… ability once again.”

Despite his numerous problems and indifferent form in his most recent bouts, the fighter has yet to be beaten – with a record of 22 wins and two draws.

The other boxers who were to have taken part in the tournament included Johnny Muller, the World Boxing Council’s sixth-ranked Rayno Liebenberg, Argentinian Roberto Bolonti, Russian WBC number 12 Denis Grachev and Namibian Wilberforce Shihepo.

Liebenberg, and Grachev will still take part in the replacement tournament.

– Sapa