A torn Achilles tendon has put paid to Beaven Sibanda’s IBF International title bout next month, but Golden Gloves has rebounded with a re-jigged line-up that reaffirms the bill’s quality.
Unbeaten junior featherweight Khaya Mlata (8-0), who was due to box in Cape Town in late October, will instead make his Emperors Palace debut on October 4 – in a fight for the WBC Youth title, no less. Among his conquests is Sabelo Ngebinyana, which gives some hint of his ability.
“He’s ranked number two in South Africa and is very good,” said trainer Matt Leisching from Cape Town. “He’s 23 and going places.”
Mlata fights once-beaten Ardy Katompa (6-1-2), who has built a fearsome reputation in the Western Cape. The odds are strong that a wild showdown is on the cards with neither likely to give an inch.
Golden Gloves CEO Rodney Berman was pragmatic about the turn of events.
“It’s never ideal for injuries, but I’m satisfied we still have a top-class show,” he said.
He also revealed that “Destiny’s Decree” would unveil a potential new heavyweight star in Jose Kadima of DRC. The bruiser has romped to 5-0 (4 KOs), in KZN, and will showcase his skill in Gauteng for the first time.
“We now have a formidable heavyweight stable for the first time in many years,” said Berman.
Juan Alberts, of course, is blowing holes in the division and brings both size and power to the party. He goes for win number six against Kareb Shitana of Namibia on October 4.
Meanwhile, SA amateur super heavyweight champion Ethan Peters is hard in training ahead of making his professional bow as a Golden Gloves fighter. Managed by Brian Mitchell, Peters is raw-boned, athletic and big; qualities that could take him far.
“You wait for years for a top heavyweight,” quipped Berman, “and suddenly three arrive at once.”
