Get ready for an explosive night of boxing action at Emperors Palace on November 29, as Golden Gloves presents “Survivor”, a fight card stacked with high-stakes matchups featuring some of South Africa’s most exciting talent, including a Survivor Series tournament.
The main event sees a formidable champion in Ricardo Malajika defending his IBO World Super Flyweight title and facing a mandatory IBF number two eliminator against the formidable Vince Paras of the Philippines.
Malajika is a two-weight IBO champion with a record of 16-2, and known for his hard-hitting style and experience in big fights. This is a crucial bout for him as he aims to solidify his position on the global stage. The hard-punching Paras will be a tough opponent, and this fight is a must-watch for any boxing fan.
The centrepiece of the night will be the four-man “Survivor” junior middleweight tournament, a single-elimination contest where only the strongest will advance. The winners of the two opening bouts will immediately face off in the R1,2-million final, making for a thrilling display of endurance and skill.
Tournament Matchup 1: Shervantaigh Koopman vs Brandon Thysse
The second semi-final features an intriguing clash between two of the division’s top fighters, Shervantaigh Koopman and Brandon Thysse.
Koopman (15-1) is known for his technical skill and composure, and will need every bit of both to face off against Thysse, a former champion with an impressive record of 18-4-1. Thysse is known for his determination and is sure to bring the fight to Koopman in what is expected to be a classic showdown.
The card also features a title fight for the SA/ABU Middleweight title between DonJuan van Heerden and Phikelani Khumalo. Van Heerden is a promising boxer who has overcome personal adversity to become a force in the sport. He was named “Prospect of the Year” in 2023 and has a record of nine wins with six knockouts.
This fight is a significant step for him as he aims to follow in his brother Chris’s footsteps and become a world champion. Khumalo, however, will be looking to derail his plans in what is expected to be an exciting contest.
Tournament Matchup 2: Roarke Knapp vs Kagiso Bagwasi
In the first semi-final, Roarke “Razor” Knapp steps into the ring against Kagiso “Reptile” Bagwasi.
Knapp is a well-known name in the SA boxing scene, having previously won the African Boxing Union junior middleweight title in a hard-fought rematch against Brandon Thysse. He’s a powerful puncher with a record of 18-3-1, and he’ll be looking to make a statement. However, he’ll face a serious challenge in Bagwasi, a welterweight from Botswana who is coming off two stunning victories, having beaten both Almighty Moyo and Boyd Allen inside the distance. He has proven he’ ready for a title challenge, and his aggressive style will make this a captivating battle.
This is a night of boxing not to be missed. From the championship main event to the high-stakes “Survivor” dimension, every fight promises to deliver intense action and showcase the talent of these fighters.
