Established champions, returning heroes and femmes fatale.
This weekend’s Golden Gloves tournament at Emperors Palace promises a little of everything on a night of celebration.
What sets this “Women’s Day” event apart is its groundbreaking line-up of four women’s fights, a rarity on South African soil, but an emphatic sign of the progress and strength growing in the female boxing ranks.
“South African women’s boxing is no longer the underdog, it’s the future,” says Rodney Berman, who has taken note of the rise in women’s sport. He believes showcasing these bouts will elevate the sport’s profile and inspire countless young fighters.
Among the women slated to battle under the bright lights is Caleigh Swart, an undefeated powerhouse whose cerebral approach in the ring belies a life of remarkable discipline and resilience.
“I’m not just fighting for titles, I’m fighting for respect, for the women coming after me,” Swart says, exuding confidence but grounding her pursuit in a bigger purpose.
Opposite her stands Simamkele Tutsheni, a firefighter by day and a blazing force in the ring. “The fire I put out at work, I bring with me every round,” Tutsheni asserts, promising heat and heart in equal measure. Both boxing out of Cape Town, their clash for the IBO All Africa super bantamweight title could be the showcase bout of the night, a hard-hitting testament to female determination and skill.
On the men’s side, the spotlight will shine brightly on Ricardo Malajika, the reigning IBO junior bantamweight world champion. A fighter known for his sharp technique and devastating precision, Malajika has quickly become a fan favourite and a symbol of South Africa’s boxing revival.
“This title is just the start. Every fight I’m in, I want to prove I’m the best,” he states matter-of-factly.
His fight this weekend is more than a title defence; it’s another step on the journey Berman has mapped out. “Win, and there are bigger fights down the road for him,” assured the veteran promoter, who has cooked up something special.
The card’s drama escalates with the highly anticipated return of Roarke Knapp, the hard-hitting junior middleweight making a comeback after a disappointing showing in Paris last time out. Knapp’s journey back to the ring is fuelled by a hunger for redemption and a desire to rekindle his warrior spirit. “I’m back, not just to fight, but to dominate,” Knapp warns, reminding fans why he demands respect every time he steps between the ropes.
Not forgetting big heavyweight Juan Alberts, who always brings it hard and will be expected to produce the heavy artillery on Saturday.
