History could be made in the country if the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) match involving Zolani Tete is held here.
This follows confirmation by Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP) that an application to organise Tete’s world unification title clash against Filipino Nonito Donaire has been made for Emperors Palace.
“Yes, we have applied to promote the fight here and we are optimistic,” confirmed GGP boss Rodney Berman.
Tete and Donaire will clash in the semifinals of the WBSS bantamweight, with their WBO and WBA titles also at stake.
The other semifinal will see IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez risking his crown against series favourite Naoya Inoue of Japan, who will also put his WBA regular belt on the line.
The Rodriguez-Inoue clash is scheduled to be held in Glasgow on May 18.
However, there have been frustrations in Tete’s camp with the failure of the WBSS-owned Comoso AG to schedule a date and a venue for the boxer’s fight with Donaire.
Berman could not say which date he is targeting, citing several challenges that needed to be surmounted first.
“There are several challenges such as the rand exchange rate as well as sweeping power outages to consider,” he said.
Comoso AG representative Kalle Sauerland will be a special guest at GGP show at Emperors on March 16 to seal the deal.
“Yes, Kalle Sauerland will be a special guest,” confirmed Berman of the show which will see Kevin Lerena defend his IBO cruiserweight title against Artur Mann.
Berman enjoys good relations with Sauerland Events, having done deals together including an exchange programmes which saw their fighters fighting in each other’s country.
Tete’s unification clash against Donaire will be the biggest for the country in a while with the boxers’ purses said to be determined by WBSS are likely to pose some challenge for GGP.
Tete’s manager Mla Tengimfene said the Mdantsane boxer would be delighted to fight in the country.
“We have always said we want to fight in the country and if this fight comes here, that would be great news,” he said.
Tete has been fighting in the UK where he has a promotional contract with top UK promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions.
This has made him unaffordable for local promoters but with WBSS involved in the payment of the boxers’ purses, GGP may be able to fulfil Tete’s dream of fighting at home...