Rising Titans, the four-man light-heavyweight tournament slated for March 1, has been given an unexpected boost.
Bryan Thysse and Bonginkosi Nhlapo, the top two contenders, will now contest the vacant SA championship in the one bout for a big R100 000 prize for each. This will be a rematch of their outstanding showdown last month, which Thysse edged by split decision.
Tuvia Wewege and Michael Head, the two other boxers in the tournament, will fight the other semifinal, an eight-rounder, for a purse of R80 000 each.
“This adds an exciting dimension and does away with the need for a draw,” said Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman, who will furnish additional details at a media conference in Johannesburg next week.
The top three contenders are thus all involved, plus Head, who has returned home after several months working overseas.
The SA title bout will feature on an all-action bill that includes Brandon Thysse against Charles Shinima and the spicy local showdown between SA rivals Ricardo Malajika and Jackson Chauke for the IBO flyweight title.
The winner of the SA light heavyweight championship, plus the semifinal victor, will then advance to the final, also scheduled for Emperors Palace, where the SA champion will earn a cool R225 000 and the challenger R125 000, ultimately determining the best light-heavyweight in South Africa.
Next week Golden Gloves will also unveil a pair of new sponsors, yet another indication of the resurgent interest in local boxing where public support remains strong and fans demand the best fights.
