Golden Gloves, South Africa's best-known promoter, is starting off 2026 as it ended 2025 – with a show at Johannesburg's Emperors Palace. Unveiling the March 28th line-up for “Sole Survivor” this week, Golden Gloves executives revealed that the main event will be a South African light heavyweight championship bout between Brandon Thysse (19-4-1) and Roarke Knapp (19-3-1). The local rivals have split a pair of bouts with this one looming as a high road versus low road scenario: the winner will get 60% of the prize money while the loser will find it difficult to claw his way back. “It has all the ingredients for boxing lovers, with big money and intrigue on the line,” said promoter Rodney Berman.

 

Another major bout on the seven-fight card is the WBC final eliminator for the minimumweight title between local hero Siya Kuse (9-3-1) and Joey Canoy (24-5-2) of the Philippines. It’s a career defining bout for Kuse as the only way to ensure he gets his full championship opportunity. If Kuse does the business, Golden Gloves will then move heaven and earth to get champion Melvin Jerusalem to rematch Kuse at Emperors Palace, a move Berman is confident of succeeding in. Jerusalem beat Kuse in a competitive decision verdict in October.

 

The bill will include an array of young talent, including Jose Kadima, Sanele Sogcwayi, Ethan Peters and Leo Careri.