Legendary promoter Rodney Berman reflects on South African boxing’s momentum, the rise of women fighters, the importance of mental grit – and what fuels his decades-long love affair with the sport.
How would you describe the current state of South African boxing? Are we on the rise, or are there challenges holding us back?
Honestly, I’m very encouraged working with this new SA commission, probably the best I’ve ever dealt with. This makes a big difference. On the boxing front, Golden Gloves is very satisfied with our stable. There is Siya Kuse and Beaven Sibanda at minimumweight, both on the cusp of major championship bouts.
Ricardo Malajika is number three on Boxrec, which is as big an endorsement as ever, just behind Bam Rodriguez. Sanele “V16” Sogcwayi is also on his way, as good a prospect as there’s been in the past two decades.
As we saw last weekend (Usyk v Dubois), heavyweights remain the benchmark, and we have an exciting talent in Juan Alberts coming through. And Brian Mitchell is busy doing a deal with the SA amateur heavyweight champion Ethan Peters, who’s big and strong. Of course, there are many others.
What do you see as the biggest obstacles facing South African boxing today, both at the grassroots and professional levels?
I’m reluctant to discuss the grassroots – which has its challenges – but at the professional level the playing fields aren’t level at all. First there’s the currency and then the geography, which are a major deterrent to securing the biggest of names.
Women’s boxing has been gaining momentum globally. What are your thoughts on its growth in South Africa, and do you see it becoming a bigger part of the local boxing scene?
I was always dead against it, but times change – and so do I! We did work several years ago with Laila Ali and Irichelle Duran, but that was largely on account of their famous fathers. Looking at the trend, I’m happy to move with the times.
You can’t ignore 20 000 people at Madison Square Garden for Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano. There’s a big market out there, but it depends on who’s campaigning – you must have big names and genuine prospects.
Our show on August 9, with four women’s bouts on the card, is a good example of this, and will answer a lot of questions.
One of the things seemingly inhibiting women’s boxing is two-minute rounds. Do you support this, or would you prefer three minutes?
Three minutes, both because it would change the dynamics of the fights and because if women want to be paid the same as their male counterparts, they should contest bouts of the same duration.
South African boxers often struggle to gain international recognition, or, when they do, they struggle on the biggest stage. What can be done to ensure this changes?
This isn’t necessarily true. In the past we had great boxers like Corrie Sanders, Brian Mitchell, Sugarboy Malinga and Welcome Ncita box overseas and win, time after time. The determining factor is mental strength. Some fighters, as good as they are, just don’t have it.
What are your plans for the future? Which Golden Gloves fighters should we keep a close eye on?
Medium-term, there’s a lot going on. The August 9 show reflects us as trailblazers who like to experiment. We try new things constantly. Then in October Kuse has a major championship eliminator. Golden Gloves is also planning a vibrant international event for later in the year – SA versus Great Britain – with boxers like Charlton Malajika, Dylan Prosser, Sogcwayi and Alberts at the centre. Big plans, so watch this space.
How do you personally measure success as a promoter? Is it about producing world champions, growing the sport locally, or something else?
When I deal with a fighter, his ability is one thing, but his humanity is more important. How I measure success isn’t in the title belts or wins, but in the relationships I enjoy with boxers long after they are retired. I think of fighters like Brian Mitchell, Vuyani Bungu, Welcome Ncita . . . there are so many.
What role do you think promoters should play in nurturing young talent?
A big role. It’s not enough to simply snap up established boxers. You must build them from the ground up, from the start. It’s a journey and you must walk it from the beginning.
Boxing has faced stiff competition from other sports in South Africa. What do you think needs to be done to make it more popular and accessible to the younger generation?
Innovation is everything, from the entrances to selling the superstars, to the glitz and glamour. It’s the TikTok generation we must entice, so the content must be compelling. This is something we constantly strive for.
Remarkably, you are in your sixth decade as a promoter. How much longer can you keep putting big fights together?
Youngsters like Don King and Bob Arum are still relevant aged 93 and 94. As far as I’m concerned, this means I have another dozen years of relevance. As long as I love it, I’ll do it.
