Siya Kuse’s charge to the world title continues on October 4 when he headlines “Destiny’s Decree”, Golden Gloves’ next star-studded event at Emperors Palace.
The WBC’s Silver champion at minimumweight will put that honour on the line against Joey Canoy, the WBC’s International champion – a final eliminator for Melvin Jerusalem’s outright WBC championship.
Both are in the WBC top 10 and both are determined to crash Jerusalem’s party, but only one will get that chance next year.
The South African has been in hot form, but Canoy, from Philippines is unbeaten in four years, ensuring an elite-level contest between two of the division’s finest.
The long-awaited “Rising Titans” final will conclude on the undercard when Bryan Thysse and Michael Head square off. Fittingly, the SA light heavyweight championship will also be on the line.
Thysse, unbeaten in seven pro outings, won his semifinal against Tuvia Wewege while gritty Head just got the nod against Bonginkosi Nhlapo to earn his spot in the final. Given that local bragging rights will be on the line, a SA classic is anticipated.
Fresh off his excellent showing against Dean Promnick, middleweight aspirant DonJuan van Heerden will need to be at his best against All Rivera of the Philippines, a banger who has packed in a lot of action in his 28 bouts. He’s a big puncher, too, 18 of his 23 wins ending early.
Despite his limited pro experience, Charlton Malajika will be in deep in his international fight against Froilan Saludar, who has mixed with the likes of Luis Nery and Andrew Maloney..
Yet promoter Rodney Berman, fresh off Saturday’s excellent tournament at the casino, is high on Malajika’s talent and believes he will more than hold his own against the WBA’s International champion.
“This is the sort of quality card that would stand up anywhere in the world,” said Berman, who has big plans for Kuse and Malajika in particular. “Each of these fights is more or less 50-50, which virtually guarantees fierce action. It’s what I want. More importantly, it’s what the fans want.”
