Boxing promoter Rodney Berman has ordered a rematch between Deejay Kriel against Nyelisani Thagambega.
The legendary Golden Gloves Promotions boss said he does not want to be enmeshed with controversies after a debatable stoppage in his tournament between the two boxers on Sunday.
Some disillusioned fans used the race card to justify the action by referee Simon Mokadi, who sparked controversy when he stopped the match in the seventh round in favour of Kriel.
"It saddens me because I don't see black or white when fighters are in the ring," said Berman, who has been promoting boxing matches beyond the colour line for over 40 years. "These young fighters will do it all over again at Emperors Palace on October 22. We feel the rematch will be good for both fighters, the fans and boxing in general."
Thagambega dropped Kriel in rounds two and four. But Kriel won the bout in round seven after Thagambega missed with a punch, spun and gave him his back. Like any other boxer, Kriel took advantage, and connected with a few punches.
It was at that moment that Mokadi stepped in between the two fighters - who are trained by Colin Nathan and Harold Volbrecht respectively - and stopped the proceedings.
This was met with mixed reactions with some people inside at Emperors Palace, including yours truly, feeling that Mokadi should have warned Thagambega not to turn his back because what the boxer did was circumstantial.
Boxing SA manager Archie Nyingwa explained that: "As per the Boxing Act and regulations, when boxers turn around then it's a warning, when a boxer turns his back against an opponent then it's TKO."
Meanwhile, on the same date of the Kriel-Nyelisani rematch, Berman will stage his Golden Gloves Cruiserweight Super Four final between Kevin Lerena and Mickie Nielsen of Denmark.
They will be vying for a specially designed golden belt and purse money of $100000 (about R1.4-million) to be split 60-40.
Hot prospect Thulani Mbenge will fight Ayanda Mthembu of Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
Berman orders rematch
Boxing promoter Rodney Berman has ordered a rematch between Deejay Kriel against Nyelisani Thagambega.
The legendary Golden Gloves Promotions boss said he does not want to be enmeshed with controversies after a debatable stoppage in his tournament between the two boxers on Sunday.
Some disillusioned fans used the race card to justify the action by referee Simon Mokadi, who sparked controversy when he stopped the match in the seventh round in favour of Kriel.
"It saddens me because I don't see black or white when fighters are in the ring," said Berman, who has been promoting boxing matches beyond the colour line for over 40 years. "These young fighters will do it all over again at Emperors Palace on October 22. We feel the rematch will be good for both fighters, the fans and boxing in general."
Thagambega dropped Kriel in rounds two and four. But Kriel won the bout in round seven after Thagambega missed with a punch, spun and gave him his back. Like any other boxer, Kriel took advantage, and connected with a few punches.
It was at that moment that Mokadi stepped in between the two fighters - who are trained by Colin Nathan and Harold Volbrecht respectively - and stopped the proceedings.
This was met with mixed reactions with some people inside at Emperors Palace, including yours truly, feeling that Mokadi should have warned Thagambega not to turn his back because what the boxer did was circumstantial.
Boxing SA manager Archie Nyingwa explained that: "As per the Boxing Act and regulations, when boxers turn around then it's a warning, when a boxer turns his back against an opponent then it's TKO."
Meanwhile, on the same date of the Kriel-Nyelisani rematch, Berman will stage his Golden Gloves Cruiserweight Super Four final between Kevin Lerena and Mickie Nielsen of Denmark.
They will be vying for a specially designed golden belt and purse money of $100000 (about R1.4-million) to be split 60-40.
Hot prospect Thulani Mbenge will fight Ayanda Mthembu of Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
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
Latest Videos