When Asemahle Wellem was growing up, he says he used to dream of joining Golden Gloves.
This week, that dream reached fruition when he put pen to paper, joining South Africa’s biggest promoter under the management of the Brian Mitchell Academy.
The South African super middleweight champion has operated largely under the radar, but that will all change under the direction of Golden Gloves. He will headline a card at Emperors Palace on March 10, designed for up-and-comers, and will then be put on the fast track to higher honors.
“He’s a real talent,” said Mitchell, who first took note of the boxer when he began hanging around his Edenvale gym, having partially relocated from the Eastern Cape. “He hasn’t been active enough, but that will now change. He’ll be training with Vusi Mtolo and will get the attention he deserves.”
Just 22, Wellem’s talent was apparent early on, not least when he stopped Cowan Ray for the SA championship in just his fourth professional fight, last October.
He’s since run his record to 7-0 (3 KOs), having barely broken a sweat doing so.
Unlike so many aspirant local pros, Wellem has a solid amateur foundation. Fighting out of Mdantsane, he boxed 210 times (200 wins) and won five SA championships, plus a silver medal in the Zone Four championships and at an international tournament in Germany.
“Where I’m from, it’s the only sport that matters,” said Wellem, reflecting on the Eastern Cape being the heartland of SA boxing. “I had a good amateur career, but I want to now make it as a pro. Moving to Joburg and signing with Golden Gloves is exciting, the best thing I could have done.”
His expectations are high. Having signed for a promoter who can navigate the world rankings, he’s hoping he moves fast and soon faces more international opposition, having scored a resounding win against Tanzanian Twaha Kassim in his last fight.
He’s looking forward, too, to working with Mtolo and polishing a style he says he can adapt. “I can box, I can fight, I can do both. Whatever is needed,” says the man who grew up admiring Canelo Alvarez and fellow South African Lusanda Komanisi.
The final word rests with Berman, who has a keen eye for young talent.
“It’s early days, but all indications are that Asemahle is a hard worker and knows what it takes. The road only gets tougher from here, but he’s a top talent who will be given every chance to make his mark.”