In a first for South African boxing, number one contender Wade Groth will fight number two contender Wynand Mulder for the interim SA title at Emperors Palace on August 10.
While interim titles are generally the unwanted step-children of the world bodies, in this instance there is a compelling reason: champion Barend van Rooyen is on suspension for doping, a charge he is appealing.
Boxing SA has reinstated him as champion until the outcome of the appeal. However, should Van Rooyen lose his appeal, the winner of the above will become champion.
“I think this is an elegant way of dealing with a stalemate,” said promoter Rodney Berman. “Both Groth and Mulder come to fight, so there ought to be good action regardless.”
Groth would start favourite given his unbeaten tag (5-0) and punching power, having stopped four opponents. Mulder, though, shot into contention with his recent stoppage of Marcel Botha, proving that he has no intention of being the fall guy.
In other action, new heavyweight signing Keaton Gomes will make his pro debut with exciting junior-featherweight JJ Sonjica in the mix.
The tournament, which will showcase the Reach for a Dream charity, will also be held as a tribute to long-standing journalist Ron Jackson, the octogenerian who has been a staple at ringside all over SA since the 1940s.
