Top promoter Nisse Sauerland has promised to sit down with Rodney Berman in Johannesburg next week and thrash out a rematch for Ryno Liebenberg against Enrico Koelling – in South Africa!
Aware of the controversy in the wake of his split points win, Koelling was manly enough to agree to a rematch, even insisting that it take place in Joburg.
“He’s a real gent,” said Berman. “This is why I enjoy dealing with the Sauerlands. They’re straight up guys.”
Berman said he would be happy to accommodate a German official if there is indeed a rematch to ensure that all is above board.
Meanwhile, he is furious with the World Boxing Association, which oversaw the fight. He’s petitioned them three times and they haven’t had the courtesy to acknowledge him.
Little wonder he is now going down the WBC track. He’s asked for a fair ranking for Liebenberg based on his recent form. Notwithstanding he has twice been defeated, both losses were highly contested.
“Robberies are often more beneficial than a mundane win,” said Berman. “The correspondence I’ve seen from fans around the world makes this a compelling return match. The fans have spoken. It’s up to us to deliver.”
In separate move, Berman has also invited WBC boss Mauricio Sulaiman to attend Golden Gloves’ February extravaganza.
“I really want to visit you in South Africa,” wrote Sulaiman. “I have never been in your beautiful country.”
Berman, in turn, will be attending the WBC convention to make a case for his elite fighters, among them Hekkie Budler, Chris van Heerden, Kevin Lerena, Xolisani Ndongeni and Simphiwe Khonco.
