Don-Juan van Heerden makes the point that all he wants to do is fight.
Activity keeps him sharp and focused, but more than that, it gives the middleweight purpose.
Consequently, Golden Gloves has obliged with a place on the “No Quarter Given” bill at Emperors Palace in a little over a week.
The hard-hitting southpaw is being pitched against Zimbabwe’s Thembani Mhlanga in an eight-rounder.
Mhlanga has been matched tough through the years, having mixed with Roarke Knapp, Darrin Rossouw and Rowan Campbell.
It won’t get much easier against the South African, who tends to get things done in a hurry.
Van Heerden is ambitious and knows that he must put on a show in his Golden Gloves debut. Rodney Berman is already a fan, but there’s no harm in Van Heerden reminding the promoter that he has a gem on his hands. Anything less will be disappointing.
“He comes with a bit of a reputation,” said Berman. “From the little I’ve seen, he’s fast and flashy and the fans like that. This is the first step, and hopefully there are many more to come.”
There is much at stake for Van Heerden. South African boxing is always looking to anoint its next star and there’s the possibility of arousing interest overseas given that the tournament will be broadcast internationally.
The fight will be at 77kg catchweight between super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, making it three different divisions in his past three fights. Van Heerden is only 23 years old and could fight for any one of the three SA titles, starting with John Bopape, the SA middleweight champion.
He could even have a crack against super-middleweight title holder Asemahle Wellem, whom he beat in the amateurs.
Quite where he settles is anyone’s guess, especially as he always looks so comfortable at whichever weight he chooses.
Topping the card is IBO bantamweight champion Ricardo Malajika against Yanga Sigqibo with bridgerweight contender Chris Thompson matched against tough Romanian Alexandru Jur.
