There were wins for middleweight prospect Dean Promnick and Juan “JJ” Alberts, the heavyweight banger, plus a reminder that Beaven Sibanda is a sensational talent and female fighters are emerging as a potent force.
This was all evident at Fight Island II in Cape Town on Saturday where a big crowd was treated to a bumper fight card put together by Matt Leisching that included three knockouts and plenty of all-round talent.
Alberts continued his stampede through the division as he dominated and stopped Mcheni Briton in the second round, leading promoter Rodney Berman to marvel at his power and rapid improvement.
“He’s really starting to look the part, and is so strong. We’ll be keeping him busy given that he’s an exciting talent who learns with every outing.”
Next stop for the big man will be a return to Emperors Palace on May 31 against Denzil Onyango Okoth of Kenya, his first international opponent.
And although Sibanda was a split decision winner against highly regarded Nhlanhla Tyirha, only one person at Cabo Beach thought Tyirha won: the lone judge who turned in a curious card.
The charismatic youngster largely dictated terms over eight rounds and was a popular winner whose stock has risen in the wake of his eighth win in nine fights.
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Promnick, meanwhile, continued his rise through the rankings with a majority points win against Kudakwache Banda.
The Malawian southpaw was a willing opponent, but Promnick’s all-round class proved the difference as he claimed win number five.
Berman also had high praise for junior middleweight Ariel Mezeraci who dispatched Khumbulani Duma with minimum fuss in three rounds.
Much of the crowd was on hand for the professional debut of featherweight Saarah Karriem, who didn’t disappoint. She was all business against Seani Morite, winning easily over four rounds.
If she looked accomplished, it was more experienced stablemate Cayleigh Swart who turned heads with a pleasing six-round win against Nolwazi Mabaso that demonstrated all her talents in posting her fifth straight win.
“Saarah is very charismatic and was very entertaining,” said Berman. “And Cayleigh is a very good fighter, I was impressed.”
Berman immediately set in motion plans to feature Karriem, Swart and Tyler Promnick on a Golden Gloves tournament on August 9, Women’s Day, that will showcase the rise of female boxing in South Africa.
