If Fight Island thrilled Cape Town the first time it was staged at the suitably atmospheric Cabo Beach Club, the second is shaping to be even bigger and better this weekend.
Golden Gloves prospect Dean Promnick heads Saturday’s action with an eight-round middleweight showdown against Kudakwache Banda with the fight card to be streamed via iME (see below).
The fight that could steal the show is the mini flyweight bout between Beaven Sibanda, the excellent Zimbabwean, and Nhlanhla Tyirha, who was once mentioned as a can’t-miss prospect who has several notable scalps on his 12-fight ledger.
Despite his accomplished fighting style, Sibanda is still learning his craft and needs fights of this calibre to underscore his credentials as a top 10 contender. Tyirha, a hard night out for anyone, will provide a fantastic gauge of his form.
“We’ve big plans for him,” said promoter Rodney Berman, whose partnership with Cape Town trainer and fight personality Matt Leisching sees four Golden Gloves boxers make an appearance on Saturday.
The other two are Juan Alberts, the unbeaten heavyweight, and Saarah Karriem, the popular local who makes her professional debut.
“These fights are important,” said Berman, “both to give these boxers exposure, and to remind fans of the wealth of talent in this country.”
Alberts will be going for win number four, against Fredy Makwinyamo, in what amounts to another important step on his steep learning curve. It should also provide useful feedback on what the Cape public think of his talents, particularly if he delivers the goods early.
Other prominent boxers on the card include Sabelo Ngebinyane, Caleigh Swart, Ariel Mezeraci, and several others.
iME, Golden Gloves’ Global streaming partner, will stream both the tournament and the weigh-in.
Viewers can watch Fight Night on Saturday and the weigh-in on Friday at 12pm here: https://bit.ly/ime-fight-island
