Brian Mitchell, South Africa’s most celebrated boxer, will receive the famous green belt of the World Boxing Council when he attends the organisation’s annual convention in Germany in December.
Travelling as a representative of Golden Gloves, plans are afoot to present the multiple former world champion with an honorary belt in Hamburg in recognition of his status as a dominant fighter.
Moreover, Mitchell will be on hand to represent the late, great Dingaan Thobela who will also be honoured at the convention, primarily for being one of the few South Africans to win a WBC championship after the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990. 
In 2000, Thobela sensationally knocked out Glenn Catley in the 12th and final round of their super middleweight championship. It was one of the greatest wins of the Rose of Soweto’s long career.
Said promoter Rodney Berman: “This is a singular honour and we at Golden Gloves are humbled by this supreme gesture by the WBC. Brian never had the opportunity of fighting for the WBC belt because of the apartheid era, and of course couldn’t land a super fight against Azumah Nelson, the WBC champion. This will be a very special moment for Brian, and indeed the Golden Gloves team.
“Equally, the recognition of Dingaan is very moving and just reward for an amazing career. He remains one of the most talented fighters to emerge from South Africa, so this is a fantastic moment.”
Mitchell will also represent Golden Gloves in the ratings meetings where he will make cases for several boxers in the stable, among them Shervantaigh Koopman, Ricardo Malajika and Beaven Sibanda.
