Fight at Emperor’s: Lerena vs NielsenThe fight is on Lerena vs Nielsen

THE pugilists are ready to deliver the highest quality of boxing to be seen in South Africa at Golden Gloves Promotions’ ‘The Southpaw Showdown’ at Emperors Palace on Saturday October 22.

The last of four super bouts will be the R1.5 million cruiserweight title fight between local hero Kevin Lerena and hard hitting Micki Nielsen from Denmark. Apart from the fact that both will want to win the much coveted purse money, the winner is bound for bigger championship fights in future. Their fight will take place over the allotted ten rounds.

Lerena (24) and Nielsen (23) are evenly matched when it comes to body texture; the latter is 5cm shorter than the taller Lerena at 190cm. But when it comes to assessing their ring records, Lerena and his trainer Peter Smith will have to produce something special. Lerena has 15 fights against his name, winning eight with KO’s and has lost one. Nielsen on the other hand presents a clean sheet: he’s had 22 bouts in the ring, achieving 14 KO’s and no losses.

To add to the spice, Chris van Heerden will be back on Southern African soil to fight for the vacant WBA Pan Africa welterweight title, against Namibia’s Sacki Shikukutu. Van Heerden has made his home in Santa Monica, California, USA for the last two years – his record is: 24 fights with twelve KO’s, two losses and one draw.

Shikukutu has two fights less, with one more KO (13), three losses and also one draw. The table is set for a face-off in the ring of one of the most spectacular welterweight southpaws fights.

The rest of the evening’s boxing will be made up by well-known Hekkie Budler taking on the highly rated Siyabongo Siyo over twelve rounds and DeeJay Kriel taking on Nyelasani Thagambege in a catchweight fight.

Boxing will start at 19:00. Book your seats with Jeff Ellis on 078 457 3030.