By Ron Jackson
Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions and Jeff Ellis of African Ring put together a crackerjack ten-bout tournament at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Sunday afternoon. All the bouts were scheduled for four rounds and with only four fights going the distance, the packed arena gave the fans plenty to cheer about.
In the final bout of a hot Highveld afternoon, lightweight Joey Stiglingh (60.60kg) having racked up 16 wins out of 19 made it 17 wins with a hard-earned point’s decision over the rugged Willis Baloyi (59.20kg). The scores were 39-37 and 40-36 twice. Possibly the hardest working spectator at ringside was Stigling’s mother who threw punches throughout the fight including some picture book left hooks as she encouraged her son from ringside and ended up completely hoarse and exhausted after the fight.
A fighter to watch is middleweight Brandon Thysse (71.60kg) the son of former South African and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Andre Thysse who was making his pro debut. The lanky Thysse boxing from behind his jab made short work of Dennis Mbath (71.00kg) from Nigeria, stopping him at 58 seconds into the second round.
Another fighter to watch is bantamweight Joshua Stoddard (52.16kg) from Sophiatown who made it three wins inside the distance since joining the professional ranks when after a slow start he knocked out Lerato Kgoale (52.20kg) at 1 minute 36 seconds into the third round.
Rodney Berman must be congratulated for financing the tournament which definitely needs a sponsor and to possibly be presented on a bi-monthly basis at Emperors Palace, which can only help with the development of young prospects.
OTHER RESULTS
Featherweight: Nyiko Nduluka beat Joachim Mogadau, tko 2; Junior flyweight: Nyelisani Thagambega beat Collin Tloubatla, tko 1; Welterweight: Nelson Ramhinos beat Lusindiso Mlamla, pts 4; Lightweight Lucky Monyebane beat Dario Familia, tko 3; Super middleweight: Brandon Sweetnam beat Nkosinathi Malinga, pts 4; Welterweight: Thulani Mbenge beat Thabo Mnguni, tko 2; Junior flyweight: Deejay Kriel beat Edward Disloane, pts 4.
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