Boxing styles put to the test
THE long-held argument that styles make fights will be tested at the Emperors Palace tonight in four of the five bouts that will be organised by Golden Gloves.
This eagerly-awaited tournament comprises two semifinals of the Nashua Super 8 Last Man Standing cruiserweight bouts, a World Boxing Council International junior-lightweight championship and an International Boxing Organisation All-Africa light-heavyweight and an IBO straw-weight championship.
The two semifinals of the inaugural, threelegged Super8 knock-out tournament pit Zack Mwekassa against Danie Venter and Thabiso Mchunu against Flo Simba. Both bouts will be contested over 10 rounds.
Sipho Taliwe will defend his WBC International title against Mzonke Fana while Johnny Muller and Ryno Liebenberg will fight for the vacant IBO All-Africa title. Contrasting styles should turn these boxing matches into intriguing bouts.
Mwekassa is the supremely built explosive fighter with massive power from both hands. He has confidence and mental toughness that should not be underestimated. Venter, a very tall former Olympian, is a wily veteran, who relies purely on skills rather than power and is a better boxer than Mwekassa. They are both right handers.
Dingaan Thobela tipped Mwekassa to win this duel, while Vuyani Bungu gave Venter his vote. Interestingly, Thobela also voted for the right-handed Simba to beat Mchunu, while Bungu was non committal in this one.
“Zack is capable of stopping any opponent with one big punch,” warned Thobela. “Venter is the better boxer and can also crack. You saw what he did to Simba but I tip Zack to win the fight.”
Thobela added that Simba should pace himself and stop jumping at his opponents because he leaves himself wide open.
“Mchunu has two things going for him: his southpaw stance, which makes him awkward, and a scary physique,” said Thobela.
Bungu said Mwekassa reminds him of a young Mike Tyson but still tipped Venter to win their fight: “He is a thinker with patience. He must do that, stick, move and counter then Zack will be in trouble.”
Thobela and Bungu, who are former multiple world champions, were unanimous in their votes that the legendary Fana will overwhelm Taliwe with experience, ring generalship and skills. Fana is a former two-time IBF champion, who has a stinging jab and a high work-rate, while Taliwe is a strong former undefeated SA champion who still has to learn what Fana has already forgotten. They both fight from the orthodox stance.
Meanwhile, faint-hearted fans were warned to leave the Centre Court Arena when “The Hurricane” Muller and “The Lion” Liebenberg get into the ring. Their nicknames epitomise their work ethic inside the ring.
Filipino Florante Condes must gear himself for a storm of flailing leather from the human hurricane in Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler when they fight for Budler’s IBO strawweight title. These alluring bouts will be televised live on SuperSport 5 from 7.30pm.