WADE Groth has put boxing back on the map in the South.
For many years the South was renowned as the mecca for boxers. Slowly but surely this has now become the pride of the South again.
Reaching for the Stars was hosted by Golden Gloves promotions at Emperors Palace on August 10.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk.
Boxing out of the Sugar Rays gymnasium, Groth has under the watchful eye of trainer/manager Ray Cerfonteyn claimed his first big title, the South African middleweight belt, dispersing of his opponent, Wynand Mulder, taking him down in the sixth by TKO to produce an excellent undercard for the main fight.
Mulder had no answer to the former EFC fighter’s combinations and heavy right hand. Both boxers deserve to be applauded for the spirit in which the fight took place, but it was Groth who eventually got the upper hand and hammered Mulder to a handover.
The main fight saw Rowan Campbell defeating Renson Hobyani on points for the vacant South African super-middleweight belt.
Campbell meant business while Hobyani opted for lazy jabs and wild punches. Two judges had Campbell narrowly winning, 114-113, 115-113, while the third had it on target 116-11.
Keaton Gomes, who will be back on September 1 at Golden Gloves final leg of boxing contests, made heavy weather of Moses Bila and won by TKO in the first round 90 seconds in.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk.
Sebastiaan Rothmann’s junior-welterweight, Jabulane Makhense, winning against Siya Mabena and Jay Jay Sonjica had a first-round demolition against Deon Mbumbana.
A total amount of R67 000 was raised for the Reach for a Dream foundation through the auction of three prized items: framed and signed gloves of the Klitschkos and Corrie Sanders, the gloves of Brian Mitchell and Kevin Lerena, and gloves of middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and heavyweight king Anthony Joshua.
The evening was a tribute to boxing historian Ron Jackson, who was applauded for his services to boxing.
The next event will be staged on September 1. Book your seats with Jeff Ellis on 078 457 3030.
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