Smarting from losing the national boxing awards to Port Elizabeth, East London will get a consolation prize when it hosts the finals of the Featherweight Super Four (S4) final in March next year.
This was all but confirmed by S4 promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions although he added that the decision rests with East London promoters getting television coverage from SuperSport.
The eagerly-anticipated final will see prospects Azinga Fuzile of Duncan Village coming up against Lerato Dlamini from the Free State but now based in Johannesburg.
The two young boxers who, at 23 and 21 years respectively, beat tough opposition in the semifinals at Emperors Palace last month.
Fuzile, the unbeaten hottest boxing property, drilled experienced Tshifhiwa Munyai in three rounds while Dlamini caused the biggest upset by systematically breaking down former world champion Simpiwe Vetyeka en route to a points win.
While Dlamini and Fuzile left the crowd at Emperors Palace mesmerized with their performance, Berman feels their fight will be better served in East London where the latter is developing into a cult status with boxing fans.
“Listen, I think this fight would do great numbers in East London than being drowned at Emperors Palace,” he said.
Berman had initially planned to organise the fight on the undercard of Kevin Lerena who will defend his IBO cruiserweight crown against an opponent yet to be revealed.
But now with the fight carrying its own magnitude he feels it would be better to organise it in East London.
He has already began talks with two East London promoters Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) which promotes Fuzile and newly-formed Last Born Promotions (LBP) belonging to world boxing champion Zolani Tete.
“I spoke to Teris and Mla to do the fight jointly with us,” he said.
“So far things are looking good but we will need other partners to come on board to make it an event to remember.”
Berman organised a gigantic show last December topped by the fight of the year candidate between Simpiwe Konkco and Nkosinathi Joyi.
The show was held to pay tribute to ailing legendary promoter Mzi Mnguni.
The spectators that filled up Orient Theatre influenced Berman’s decision to bring the S4 final to East London.
“We will work with Teris to take Fuzile to the big things and I think to afford him a chance to fight at home would do wonders for him,” he said.
RAP and LBP are yet to sit down and discuss the details of the fight and reach an agreement on the composition of the tournament.
The two promotions will ironically organise big tournaments on December 2 and 10 respectively.
Fuzile is yet to lose a bout in nine outings while the fast improving Dlamini spots a single loss in 12 bouts making their clash an evenly contested showdown.
Besides splitting the R500000 pot 60/40% to the winner, WBC international featherweight title will also be a carrot for both prospects.
Stage set for Super 4 showdown
This was all but confirmed by S4 promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions although he added that the decision rests with East London promoters getting television coverage from SuperSport.
The eagerly-anticipated final will see prospects Azinga Fuzile of Duncan Village coming up against Lerato Dlamini from the Free State but now based in Johannesburg.
The two young boxers who, at 23 and 21 years respectively, beat tough opposition in the semifinals at Emperors Palace last month.
Fuzile, the unbeaten hottest boxing property, drilled experienced Tshifhiwa Munyai in three rounds while Dlamini caused the biggest upset by systematically breaking down former world champion Simpiwe Vetyeka en route to a points win.
While Dlamini and Fuzile left the crowd at Emperors Palace mesmerized with their performance, Berman feels their fight will be better served in East London where the latter is developing into a cult status with boxing fans.
“Listen, I think this fight would do great numbers in East London than being drowned at Emperors Palace,” he said.
Berman had initially planned to organise the fight on the undercard of Kevin Lerena who will defend his IBO cruiserweight crown against an opponent yet to be revealed.
But now with the fight carrying its own magnitude he feels it would be better to organise it in East London.
He has already began talks with two East London promoters Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) which promotes Fuzile and newly-formed Last Born Promotions (LBP) belonging to world boxing champion Zolani Tete.
“I spoke to Teris and Mla to do the fight jointly with us,” he said.
“So far things are looking good but we will need other partners to come on board to make it an event to remember.”
Berman organised a gigantic show last December topped by the fight of the year candidate between Simpiwe Konkco and Nkosinathi Joyi.
The show was held to pay tribute to ailing legendary promoter Mzi Mnguni.
The spectators that filled up Orient Theatre influenced Berman’s decision to bring the S4 final to East London.
“We will work with Teris to take Fuzile to the big things and I think to afford him a chance to fight at home would do wonders for him,” he said.
RAP and LBP are yet to sit down and discuss the details of the fight and reach an agreement on the composition of the tournament.
The two promotions will ironically organise big tournaments on December 2 and 10 respectively.
Fuzile is yet to lose a bout in nine outings while the fast improving Dlamini spots a single loss in 12 bouts making their clash an evenly contested showdown.
Besides splitting the R500000 pot 60/40% to the winner, WBC international featherweight title will also be a carrot for both prospects.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos