Christmas might have come early for Golden Gloves.
This follows talks between Rodney Berman and German counterpart Nisse Sauerland about enticing Enrico Koelling to South Africa for his much-anticipated rematch with Ryno Liebenberg.
The pair recently fought a hotly-contested 12-rounder with the German squeaking by controversially.
Economics suggested that the rematch couldn’t take place in SA, but Berman, ever the pragmatist, said, “we’ll make a plan”.
Central to that is his relationship with Sauerland, which is strong, Berman saying “he’s a pleasure to deal with.”
Berman has already pencilled in February 4 at Emperors Palace, a shrewd move given that Liebenberg is a popular ticket-seller who is never in a bad fight.
The promoter said he would ensure a fair allotment of judges given the nature of the first fight.
Koelling must fancy his chances nonetheless, as he is keen to come to SA to do the double.
Berman could be in the happy position of being able to cherry-pick for his first extravaganza of 2017 because top fighters Hekkie Budler, Kevin Lerena and Simpiwe Konkco are all in the mix.
There’s also growing interest in unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni, who recently made such a positive impression in America.
For now, though, Golden Gloves’ immediate interest is in the tribute tournament to Mzi Mnguni in East London this weekend. Interest is at an all-time high.
