Golden Gloves will be hosting its first event of 2025 with a top show, plus two vibrant new sponsors that herald a fresh new direction.
iME, a cutting-edge digital engagement platform spearheaded by dynamic Nivi Grogor, has come on board together with SuperSportBet, which is fast becoming the destination of choice for punters.
“This is a great endorsement for both boxing and Golden Gloves,” said CEO Rodney Berman. “Both are industry leaders and reflect the qualities of champion boxers: a winning mindset, determination to succeed and great drive.”
March 8 has been set for “Palace Pandemonium and the Rising Titans” at Emperors Palace, topped by a fight that has been brewing for several years – a showdown between IBO world champions Ricardo Malajika and Jackson Chauke for the latter’s flyweight championship.
Malajika, the super flyweight king, won’t have his belt on the line and thus retains it regardless of the outcome.
Announcing the big fight, Berman said he had worked extremely hard to put it together, certain in the knowledge that it’s one of the most appealing bouts that could be made between local rivals.
He likens it to the memorable clash between Phillip Ndou and Cassius Baloyi for the WBU junior lightweight belt 23 years ago, a fight the public had long clamoured for.
Malajika has come into his own in recent years, reeling off six successive victories since 2022, and enjoys reckoning as one of South Africa’s most accomplished fighters.
Chauke is no mug himself, having established a formidable reputation on the tough local circuit. A professional since 2008, he has more than paid his dues and deservedly won the IBO belt in January, fighting on the road by travelling to England and winning.
It’s too early for fight odds to be posted, but there’s likely to be little in it when the bookmakers determine the odds. Malajika has youth on his side; Chauke (39) has the virtue of experience.
If Malajika wins, he will have 10 days to decide which of the two titles he wants to keep, rendering the other belt vacant.
However, if Chauke wins, it counts as a regulation title defence as Malajika’s crown is not being contested.
Additionally, Golden Gloves has delivered an outstanding undercard fight in the shape of resurgent Brandon Thysse against Charles “SuperShine” Shinima (18-1) of Namibia.
Thysse had two imposing wins in 2024 and is rewarded with a crack for the WBC Africa junior middleweight title against a man who looms as dangerous, his only defeat coming by way of injury.
The “Rising Titans” come in the form of Tuvia Wewege, Michael Head, Bonginkosi Nhlapho and Bryan Thysse who will contest a four-man light heavyweight tournament.
Apart from the exposure on television and the backing of Golden Gloves, the fighters stand to earn excellent purses: R60 000 for each of the four with the overall winner pocketing an extra R125 000 and the runner-up taking home another R75 000.
The winner therefore stands to earn R185 000 and with it the chance to claim bragging rights.
The final will take place in May, 2025.
“These tournaments within a tournament always add spice,” said Berman. “The guys are jumping out of their skin at the chance. It’s up to them to bring the goods.”
