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The global spotlight shifts to South African shores this May as Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), prepares for his first-ever official visit to the country as a guest of Golden Gloves.
The arrival of the head of world boxing’s oldest and most prestigious sanctioning body has sparked a buzz within the local sporting fraternity, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.
The visit carries deep sentimental and historical weight; it comes 28 years after Mauricio’s late father, the legendary Jose Sulaiman, visited South Africa for the WBC Convention. The senior Sulaiman was a pivotal figure in the global sporting boycott against apartheid, and his son’s return symbolises a modern era of growth and international integration for South African boxing.
Golden Gloves has curated a high-impact itinerary for the president, which includes a formal meet and greet hosted by Boxing SA, allowing key stakeholders and legends of the ring to engage directly with the WBC chief.
Golden Gloves director, Nivi Grogor, commented on the significance of the visit: “Having Mauricio Sulaiman ringside is a monumental endorsement of the quality and passion of South African boxing. It has been nearly three decades since his father graced our shores, and to have the WBC president here to witness our talent firsthand is a powerful statement. We are honoured to host him and believe this visit will further strengthen our ties with the global boxing community, opening even more doors for our local fighters to shine on the world stage.”
The centrepiece of the visit will see Sulaiman ringside for the blockbuster card at Emperors Palace on May 16.
The headline attraction of “One Way to Redemption” features a high-stakes rematch for the WBC strawweight world title, where South Africa’s Siya Kuse looks to dethrone the clinical Filipino champion, Melvin Jerusalem.
The undercard is equally stacked with intrigue. The heavyweight division takes centre stage as the powerful Jose Kadima faces the ultimate warhorse in Johnny Muller. Known for his veteran guile and a habit of denting the reputations of surging prospects, Muller represents the toughest of gatekeepers for Kadima’s heavyweight dreams.
Rounding out the evening is a clash that promises to be a masterclass in ring craft. The tactical JJ Alberts, who has been quietly building a formidable résumé, faces the elite boxing brain of Akani Phuzi.
INFO SUPPLIED.