Everyone who is anyone in Joburg boxing was at the Golden Gloves open day held at the HotBox gym on Wednesday ahead of the “Supercharged” tournament at Emperors Palace next month.
And in a surprise twist, highly regarded Simphiwe Khonco was officially welcomed to his new home, having recently signed with trainer Colin Nathan.
With fans and media mingling with the boxers, there was a great buzz in anticipation of fight night.
Other boxers who turned up were Hekkie Budler, Paul Kamanga, Grant Fourie, Warren Joubert and Joshua Studdard.
“Until after the fight, we’re no longer friends,” said SA junior-welterweight champion Grant Fourie ahead of his second showdown with Warren Joubert.
“He calls himself Fireball,” Joubert responded. “At HotBox we specialise in putting out fires.”
Said Nathan: “It was a very lekker afternoon. The March 19 fights are all good, the fans know that.”
Promoter Rodney Berman also enjoyed himself. “The big crowd was very gratifying. The media poured in too. I’m happy – Golden Gloves boxers are well-positioned.”
