PURE artistry is what boxing enthusiasts will be hoping for when the first leg of the Super 8 Last Man Standing knockout boxing series kicks off tomorrow night at Emperors Palace.
That is simply because the modern-day boxing fan is turned off by the blood and gore that has often charac- terised the sport.
Art and God-given talent in the fistic sport is what the new crop of fans want to see.
Many former boxers suffer from disabilities such as permanent loss of eyesight and brain damage sustained during bloody encounters.
Others even died either during or after their fights and that turned many people away from the sport, particularly female fans.
But tomorrow night's tournament seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
Most of the eight cruiserweight boxers who will be in action have promised to showcase their artistry. This is difficult to swallow when it comes from the likes of Zack "Black Warrior" Mwekassa, Thabiso "The Rock" Mchunu and Flo "Black Panther" Simba, who look like they can crack an opponent's skull with their bare hands.
"Expect tremendous action," promised Mwekassa, who will take on Tshepang "The Gentleman" Mohale.
In his response, Mohale simply retorted: "I'm going to show I'm the best."
Mchunu, who was outpointed by Mwekassa over eight rounds last year, will meet Simba, while Johnny "The Hurricane" Muller, usually a whirlwind performer, will take on Ran Nakash from Israel. One match that could turn into a brawl will be the meeting of bosom buddies Daniel "Billy The Kid" Bruwer and Danie Venter.
All bouts will be contested over eight rounds. Winners will meet in the semi-final in September, but the number of rounds will increase to 10, while finalists will meet over 12 rounds for the whopping cash prize of R500000 in November.
This new boxing concept has earned promoter Rodney Berman praise from Boxing SA. Director of operations Loyiso Mtya said Berman's knockout tournament will change South African boxing for the better: "It comes at a time when boxing needs it most and it has generated so much interest."
Meanwhile, Chris "The Heat" van Heerden will defend his IBO welterweight belt against Sebastian Lujan from Argentina while Lukes Jere and Kevin Lerena will meet over four rounds in the catchweight.
Super 8 no blood fest
PURE artistry is what boxing enthusiasts will be hoping for when the first leg of the Super 8 Last Man Standing knockout boxing series kicks off tomorrow night at Emperors Palace.
That is simply because the modern-day boxing fan is turned off by the blood and gore that has often charac- terised the sport.
Art and God-given talent in the fistic sport is what the new crop of fans want to see.
Many former boxers suffer from disabilities such as permanent loss of eyesight and brain damage sustained during bloody encounters.
Others even died either during or after their fights and that turned many people away from the sport, particularly female fans.
But tomorrow night's tournament seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
Most of the eight cruiserweight boxers who will be in action have promised to showcase their artistry. This is difficult to swallow when it comes from the likes of Zack "Black Warrior" Mwekassa, Thabiso "The Rock" Mchunu and Flo "Black Panther" Simba, who look like they can crack an opponent's skull with their bare hands.
"Expect tremendous action," promised Mwekassa, who will take on Tshepang "The Gentleman" Mohale.
In his response, Mohale simply retorted: "I'm going to show I'm the best."
Mchunu, who was outpointed by Mwekassa over eight rounds last year, will meet Simba, while Johnny "The Hurricane" Muller, usually a whirlwind performer, will take on Ran Nakash from Israel. One match that could turn into a brawl will be the meeting of bosom buddies Daniel "Billy The Kid" Bruwer and Danie Venter.
All bouts will be contested over eight rounds. Winners will meet in the semi-final in September, but the number of rounds will increase to 10, while finalists will meet over 12 rounds for the whopping cash prize of R500000 in November.
This new boxing concept has earned promoter Rodney Berman praise from Boxing SA. Director of operations Loyiso Mtya said Berman's knockout tournament will change South African boxing for the better: "It comes at a time when boxing needs it most and it has generated so much interest."
Meanwhile, Chris "The Heat" van Heerden will defend his IBO welterweight belt against Sebastian Lujan from Argentina while Lukes Jere and Kevin Lerena will meet over four rounds in the catchweight.
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