The heavyweight division is preparing for an electric night in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Undefeated and solid prospect José Kadima is ready to headline for the first time in his career when he faces dangerous puncher Herbert Matovu on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The great battle, scheduled for 10 rounds, will be the main event of the Golden Gloves card dubbed “Magic At The Palace,” which will take place at the majestic Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.
The prestigious WBC Africa Heavyweight championship will be on the line. A regional belt of the World Boxing Council that will directly propel the winner to improve in the organization’s world rankings and, most importantly, open the doors to international boxing.
José Kadima arrives with an impeccable record of 8-0 with 6 KOs, earning the respect of experts for his devastating style. “At this early stage of his career I am confident that he will emerge as the most exciting heavyweight to ever come out of Africa,” Golden Gloves CEO Rodney Berman emphatically told The Ring.
In the opposite corner will be the experienced Herbert Matovu, who holds a record of 9-1 with 8 KOs.
Matovu’s only career defeat came on the world stage in the cruiserweight division, suffering a second-round stoppage defeat against former world challenger Umar Salamov in February 2025. “We know Kadima is special… but Matovu, like him, is a puncher, so I anticipate a thrilling fight next month,” added an excited Berman.
The “Magic At The Palace” card, which will be broadcast live on SuperSport in South Africa, will be supported by top-level bouts that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats:
- Heavyweight Co-Feature Bout: In another 10-round battle that promises fireworks, undefeated Juan Alberts (8-0-1, 5 KOs) will test his strength against the battle-tested and dangerous Jack Mulawayi (16-4-1, 12 KOs).
- Featherweight War: Young promise Sanele Sogcwayi (5-0, 2 KOs) will look to maintain his perfect streak against Pritchard Dube (1-3-1, 1 KO) in a 6-round bout.
- Junior Featherweight Clash: Over the same 6-round distance, the experienced Simamkele Tutsheni (8-1, 3 KOs) will collide in a highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated Monica Mkandla (9-0, 1 KO).
- Prospects in Action: At 4 rounds, knockout artist Ethan Peters (2-0, 2 KOs) will welcome debutant Andre Bruwer. Meanwhile, in the light heavyweight division, Andre Malumba (2-0) will face Pieter Breytenbach (1-1, 1 KO)—the latter having lost a four-rounder against Alberts on his debut two years ago.