Golden Gloves go back to boxing’s roots

WHILE big promoters generally concentrate on making big budget shows in order to maximise profit, Golden Gloves Promotions are making sure that development is not left behind.

The promoters, who command respect internationally with their successful tournaments in Monaco, have introduced a “Prospect at the Palace” tournament that will become a regular feature three times a year.

This was inspired by the success the inaugural show had at Emperors Place last Sunday when rising stars emerged with flying colours. Particularly impressive were Joshua Studdard, Brendon Thysse and Deejay Kriel who scored resounding victories to book themselves a ticket to feature in GGP’s annual “Christmas Cracker” show to be held on December 1 at the same venue.

Thysse, the son of former Commonwealth and SA super middleweight champion Andre Thysse, was particularly impressive when he stopped Nigerian Dennis Mbath in two rounds.

Studdard also looked like a future star when he scored a third round stoppage over Lerato Kgoale in their bantamweight clash to improve his record to three wins in as many fights.

GGP boss Rodney Berman said the next show has already been scheduled for next February featuring eight four rounders. “We are thrilled by the talent these youngsters are showing and we’ve decided to lead the way by giving them platforms to showcase their talent.”

Berman said it would gratifying if the corporate world would come on board to help develop young talent. “All these boxers that end up hogging the headlines were once youngsters and if we ignore development we are killing the future of any sport, not just boxing.”

Berman was also thrilled by the performance of Lucky Monyebane who scored a third round stoppage win over Dario Familia in a lightweight contest.

Monyebane is the product of Dikebu Project which was launched by GGP and Emperors Palace to develop boxing by setting up a boxing gymnasium in Mamelodi two years ago.