Top Gauteng boxing trainer Bernie Pailman says a number of SA fighters – and that includes Malcolm “The Stone” Klassen – could have reached for the stars and achieved greatness, like charismatic current WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
Pailman was in the corner when Klassen reclaimed the IBF junior-lightweight belt with a seventh-round demolition of Cassius Baloyi in 2009, and he was barking instructions to Klassen when he dethroned Jack Asis as the IBO holder in 2016.
He was responding to a question about the outcome of the showdown between Davis and challenger Rolando Romero on Sunday morning.
The two Americans are fierce rivals, having displayed a hatred for each other in the build-up to their fight. They are both coming into their fight undefeated with perfect records. Davis, 27, is known for his exceptional punching power, boasting 24 knockouts in 26 wins.
His foe, 26-year-old Romero is a newcomer who has shown potential since turning professional in 2016. He was installed as WBA interim champion after his victory against Jackson Marinez on August 15 2020. That was Romero’s 12th fight. He boasts 12 knockouts in his 14 wins.
Pailman tipped the defending champion to retain his belt with a late round knockout.
“Boxers from other parts of the world have reached their fullest potential and will still do so even in the future because boxing is independent from governments in those countries. [There are] sponsors galore and their involvement enables fighters to focus on their careers without having to worry about getting a day job,” Pailman said.
“Many fighters here are personal trainers and that is not an ideal job for them because it is causing serious harm to their shoulders; they hold pads for people who know nothing about holding back in power. They are doing it anyway because some of their clients help them with sponsorship and that is also how they make money while waiting to get fights.
“The sad story is that by the time they go to gyms to train as boxers in the afternoon, they are tired already. Also today you have a promoter giving fights to your boxers and tomorrow he’s gone. The government, which is in charge of boxing here, is not doing anything to help fighters.”
Pailman feels SA boxers being held back from greatness
Trainer tips WBA champ Davis to stop Romero in later rounds
Image: Antonio Muchave
Top Gauteng boxing trainer Bernie Pailman says a number of SA fighters – and that includes Malcolm “The Stone” Klassen – could have reached for the stars and achieved greatness, like charismatic current WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
Pailman was in the corner when Klassen reclaimed the IBF junior-lightweight belt with a seventh-round demolition of Cassius Baloyi in 2009, and he was barking instructions to Klassen when he dethroned Jack Asis as the IBO holder in 2016.
He was responding to a question about the outcome of the showdown between Davis and challenger Rolando Romero on Sunday morning.
The two Americans are fierce rivals, having displayed a hatred for each other in the build-up to their fight. They are both coming into their fight undefeated with perfect records. Davis, 27, is known for his exceptional punching power, boasting 24 knockouts in 26 wins.
His foe, 26-year-old Romero is a newcomer who has shown potential since turning professional in 2016. He was installed as WBA interim champion after his victory against Jackson Marinez on August 15 2020. That was Romero’s 12th fight. He boasts 12 knockouts in his 14 wins.
Pailman tipped the defending champion to retain his belt with a late round knockout.
“Boxers from other parts of the world have reached their fullest potential and will still do so even in the future because boxing is independent from governments in those countries. [There are] sponsors galore and their involvement enables fighters to focus on their careers without having to worry about getting a day job,” Pailman said.
“Many fighters here are personal trainers and that is not an ideal job for them because it is causing serious harm to their shoulders; they hold pads for people who know nothing about holding back in power. They are doing it anyway because some of their clients help them with sponsorship and that is also how they make money while waiting to get fights.
“The sad story is that by the time they go to gyms to train as boxers in the afternoon, they are tired already. Also today you have a promoter giving fights to your boxers and tomorrow he’s gone. The government, which is in charge of boxing here, is not doing anything to help fighters.”
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