Ricardo Malajika, the electric super flyweight talent, will headline the next Golden Gloves bill at Emperors Palace, on November 29, when he makes the fifth defence of his IBO belt against Vince Paras of the Philippines.
It will be the champion’s ninth successive fight at the famous casino venue, where he has enjoyed stunning success in recent years.
Paras, a former IBF title challenger, is as tasty as they come, having boxed 30 professional bouts, winning 24 times. Having done his due diligence, promoter Rodney Berman says the Filipino is a puncher who won’t be awed by Malajika’s reputation.
“None of the fighters from there are easybeats,” said Berman. “They are true professionals fighting for their livelihood.”
He’s on a three-run KO streak and at 26 is arguably in his prime.
Not that Malajika will be concerned. With the IBF number two mandatory position also on the line, he is eyeing bigger fights and bigger opportunities, determined not to let Paras – or anyone else – spoil his party.
There is a superb domestic showdown on the undercard between Shervantaigh Koopman and Brandon Thysse, who have provided plenty of entertainment over the years.
The pair squared off in 2023 and were fairly even until Koopman dropped and hurt Thysse in the eighth round, which finally led to Thysse’s trainer Damien Durandt pulling his pupil out.
Thysse has since won three on the bounce, but Koopman veered off course with a disappointing defeat to Uisma Lima. Desperate to win back his mojo, opting to do so via Thysse is a smart move, but could be a tricky outing.
On the face of it, Roarke Knapp’s comeback bout looks routine, but anyone expecting an easy night out may be fooled. Kagiso Bogwasi of Botswana is a giant killer of note, having KO’d Boyd Allen, Almighty Moya and Tshifhiwa Munyai in fairly routine fashion. The southpaw has danger written all over him.
Both junior middleweight fights will form part of a “Survivor” junior middleweight semifinal with the winner of Thysse versus Koopman and Knapp against Bogwasi facing off in a 2026 final.
Also on the card is a compelling SA middleweight championship decider between holder Phikelelani Khumalo and DonJuan van Heerden.
Khumalo claimed the crown in convincing fashion when he beat John Bopape in March, but rugged Van Heerden will present a sterner challenge. The southpaw has waxed and waned over the years, but when he beat Dean Promnick in July he looked the best he ever has.
He won the ABU title that night, but what he craves in the SA championship, the dream he’s harboured since he began boxing as a young boy.
No Emperors show is complete without big, bad Juan Alberts, the fast-rising heavyweight now unbeaten in seven outings. The man they call “The Gentleman” has a string of knockouts to his name and will be looking to add another when he fights Michael Pirotton (10-1) of Belgium.
Like Alberts, Pirotton is a big unit who has won several fights on the road.
As ever, Alberts will be tested. As ever, the fans will expect him to do the business.
November 29 will also herald the much-awaited pro debut of SA super heavyweight amateur champion Ethan Peters. Expectations are high – his form in the gym has been explosive. He’s more than ready.
