There may be no better all-rounder in local boxing than Golden Gloves’ Jeff Ellis, who has tried his hand at every possible job in the sport. Here, he reflects on the state of the game.
- You are one of those guys who beavers away behind the scenes, ensuring things get done. What is this experience like?
I prefer to be in the background, to be honest. In the end it’s all about teamwork. [Promoter] Rodney Berman allows me the freedom to get the job done, without question. The priority is without a doubt the safety of the fighter. Everything builds around that, for which I’m thankful. - There was a photo on social media recently that showed you sparring against Gerrie Coetzee exactly 50 years ago. That was arguably in the greatest era for local heavyweights. Where are our heavyweights nowadays?
Locally there are no heavyweights coming through. Can you imagine the excitement if a fighter like, Gerrie Coetzee appeared on the fight scene? - Who are the SA boxers you most enjoy watching?
Right now, be it as it may the Golden Gloves stable has a lot of standout talent. Shervantaigh Koopman, Roarke Knapp, Ricardo Malajika, Beaven Sibanda, Brandon Thysse. The light heavyweight shootout coming up on March 1 has caused a lot of interest. Bryan Thysse vs Tuvia Wewege – Two neat boxers; a distance fight. Bongininkosi Nhlapo vs Michael Head – Don’t leave your seat. - There’s a terrific Golden Gloves development show on March 2. Which are some of the best fights to look out for, and why?
The main bout at middleweight is Dylan Prosser versus Morgan Hunter. Two come forward fighters, this will be a humdinger of a fight. I can’t wait to see the highly decorated former amateur star making his Golden Gloves debut. The fight of the tournament could very well be Charlton Malajika versus Gcina Makhoba, a former WBF world champion who lost his title due to inactivity. An interesting heavyweight clash is Juan Alberts (2-0) vs Gilly Dickenson (debut). Both have immense physical strength, and you can never underestimate a red-headed fighter who in this case is the underdog making his debut. To top it all two trainers that know their business will be in opposite corners. Anton Gilmore looks after Gilly Dickenson and Ryno Liebenberg trains Alberts. Let’s not forget two highly rated fighters in Phiri vs Stella.
- Do you think Shervantaigh Koopman can go all the way and win a world title? Shervantaigh is the most underrated fighter in SA, and he proved it once again last time out against Canadian Brandon Cook by climbing off the canvas and systematically wearing him down to win the bout by KO, proving his ability and durability against top opposition. He will win a world title.
- Having been involved in boxing for 50-plus years, you are well qualified to answer this: who is the best SA boxer of all time?
Brian Mitchell, without a doubt. His ability to adapt against all odds, his fitness and durability over 15 rounds has no equal. - You recently interacted with the new board of Boxing South Africa. What were your impressions?
I can assure you that when board members interact with genuine concern the way they did at our meeting, my first impression will most definitely be a lasting one. I felt a lot of warmth and willingness to learn and listen, from all the members. - You will soon be heading to the SA boxing convention in East London, the first in several years. What do you believe are the most pressing issues local boxing must grapple with?
Unity is strength. Our last convention was in 2013 and the main topics for me since are still the same: Medical safety and protection of boxers; re-establishment of local commissions, which is still currently an ‘Act’ of Parliament; and basic human rights of licensees and a proper fund to help veterans suffering at the end of their careers. The effects of boxing are real, and many fighters don’t know how to handle the change that begins to affect them, mostly mentally. - You are famously also a collector of boxing memorabilia. What would be the single piece you saved if your house was burning down?
Now that’s a question that brings a smile to my face. It’s also a difficult question to answer as I value every piece of memorabilia in a different way. My collection explained is a story on its own. As a young man of 16, I worked as an apprentice electrician. The ceilings of residential houses in Mayfair those years were full of newspapers from 1950’s placed there to keep the house warm during winter. The newspaper that started it all was a story of my idol Willie Toweel (RIP) that I found while repairing a wiring fault. - What’s the single change boxing should make to improve the sport?
Re-establish local boxing commissions.
