Fight fever to grip Palace for tantalising bout

Boxing fans are salivating about the rematch between Thabiso Mchunu and Thomas Oosthuizen scheduled for Emperors Palace on December 8.

But fight promoter Rodney Berman is equally excited for the young boxers who will showcase their talent on the big stage for the first time.

Mchunu and Oosthuizen will clash in a highly anticipated cruiserweight bout following the controversial outcome of their encounter at the same venue in September.

This was when Oosthuizen defied the odds and squeaked in by a close majority decision despite a 16th-month layoff.

The closely contested bout cried rematch even before the outcome was announced and when Mchunu’s camp cried ‘we wuz robbed’ Berman set the ball rolling for the return bout.

While the eyes of the world will be glued on the two big men, the stage will be opened for a couple of youngsters to capture the limelight on international television platform.

Boxers such as Ricardo Malajika, Wade Groth, Boyd Allen to mention but a few will be making their debut in a big tournament after impressing in the Golden Gloves Promotion nursery show recently.

“I am excited with these boys and I think the future of SA boxing is bright,” said Berman.

“Despite the huge interest generated by the Mchunu vs Oosthuizen rematch, hardcore fans will get an opportunity to watch these budding stars.”

Berman is already making plans to match Allen against Groth a few bouts down the line in a first boxing match involving former mixed martial arts stars. “With MMA and boxing getting close working relations, a bout between Allen and Groth will certainly generate a huge interest from both sporting codes.”

Indeed boxing and MMA have forged links since pound for pound star Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor fought in a cross-code clash in August last year. After the effort put forth by McGregor several MMA stars are leaving the octagon for the square ring with relative ease and Allen and Groth are among them.

In fact Groth has made huge strides, having already won the SA middleweight title albeit on interim basis. Allen has also smooth transitioned if reports he is giving reigning SA light heavyweight champion Ryno Liebenberg all he can handle in sparring sessions are true.

I am excited with these boys and I think the future of SA boxing is bright