Heavyweights, title challenges, and rising stars set to thrill on May 31
“The Coronation” bill at Emperors Palace on May 31 has been boosted with the signing of two intriguing undercard bouts.
Heavyweight Juan Alberts (3-0) will box an eight-rounder and, provided he overcomes the test, will be kept busy with Golden Gloves propelling him towards a challenge for the WBC Youth belt (available to boxers under 25).
The card is headlined by Shervantaigh Koopman’s IBO title challenge against Uisma Lima, the super welterweight champion. Siya Kuse also makes his return to the Emperors ring against Samuel Salva of the Philippines in a 10-rounder.
The other new entry on the card will see DonJuan van Heerden challenge Phikelani Khumalo for the SA middleweight belt, subject to sanction by Boxing South Africa. Khumalo beat John Bopabe on points on Sunday to claim the championship.
Tyla Promnick, whose star continues to shine, will also feature alongside the Gauteng debut of hot prospect Saarah Karriem.
Commenting on the line-up, promoter Rodney Berman believes all the bouts are well matched. “Fans will get more than their value for money. I’m curious to see how Van Heerden will fare, and Alberts has already begun making waves at heavy. People aren’t lining up to face him, which says it all. And of course there’s Shervantaigh going for his first big title. Can he keep the momentum going?”
