Johannesburg - Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman admits that though boxing is under pressure because of the general economy, his organisation is determined not to compromise on entertainment value and the high standard of his fights.
In a wide-ranging interview, Berman said: “We have to be innovative and appeal to different sponsors, among other things. Thankfully there's an international market for guys like Hekkie Budler. We have to maintain the level, which SuperSport is entitled to.” Berman has in recent months putting his focus on young prospects lately and with good rewards.
“Apart from the fact that many of them can really fight, it's terrific to see their following. Take someone like Joshua Studdard. It's very gratifying because one of the most exciting fights Golden Gloves ever promoted featured his late uncle, Kangaroo Adams, against Bruce McIntyre. Kangaroo was great.
“We want to bring boxing back, not to a lost society, but a vibrant one. Studdard shows all the signs of being a star. I also like Ronald Malindi, the bantamweight, and of course, there's DeeJay Kriel, who keeps getting better. Our focus will be on these youngsters.”
When asked about the much-awaited rematch between Kevin Lerena and Johnny Muller, Berman said that was a very good question.
“We've just changed the date to April 24 following the success of Sunday's prospects' tournament. My friend and colleague, Jeff Ellis, does a tremendous job of putting the shows together and Sunday went beyond expectations.
“The focus will again be on the youngsters, but the show will be elevated by Muller against Lerena as the main event. It's a rematch with a lot of needle. It's also taken on an important dimension given our tie-in with Art Pelullo and ESPN.
“We'll also be doing a Golden Ringside, with tickets on sale for R500 for VIP guests. This is something we did years ago with the late Maurice Toweel. Sales will be limited with VIPs getting first-class treatment.”
Talking about a potential unification fight for Hekkie Budler, Berman said it was a bit of a problem. “The tragedy for Hekkie is that he might be denied his greatness because he has no standout rival to measure himself against. We've tried . . . none of the other champions is interested. I've also spoken to Peter Nelson of HBO. He's reluctant to buy a strawweight fight for HBO.
“But I'll be seeing him at Paul Kamanga's fight in Las Vegas. We'll talk again. A unification fight, which would be affordable in Las Vegas, might swing him. But I must convince one of the rival boxers, who are terrified to leave their backyards.”
Asked about the relationship with partners Emperors Palace and SuperSport, Berman gets straight to the point. “It's simple: big-time boxing cannot survive without casino and television backing. I regard SuperSport as a partnership. Golden Gloves couldn't have got to where we are without SuperSport. It's the same with Emperors, which remains an outstanding venue. It's a proper triumvirate, which I treasure.”
Talking about his 40 years as a boxing promoter, Berman laughs when asked how he stays motivated. “The ring girls! It's true, I have more grey hair, but my mind is the same and my body feels great. I'm always searching for new mountains to climb.
“After Lennox Lewis-Hasim Rahman (in 2001) I wondered what to do next. But there are always new challenges, some of which you create for yourself. Now, I'd love to take a Paul Kamanga or a Joshua Studdard to the top.”
Berman has been wise to forge strong alliances overseas. “Yes, it's very important. I have high regard for Art Pelullo, a promoter with integrity. Paul Kamanga will feature on his big Las Vegas card. Down the line, he may do some work with Kevin Lerena and a number of others. I also have a terrific relationship with the Sauerland boxing family.
“Ryno Liebenberg is fighting on one of their European cards any day now and we've also chatted about the possibility of Lerena fighting for the WBA Youth belt, regardless of the result against Johnny. They have a youngster, Micki Nielsen, who is 20-0, so that's something we might do here or in Europe.
And finally talking about the problems he has had with Tommy Oosthuizen Berman doesn’t mince his words. “Tommy is one of boxing's tragedies. After all this, he can't come back - not with Golden Gloves. No-one will touch him internationally.” - African News Agency (ANA)