PRESS RELEASE
Boxing is Back!
Thursday, September 17, 2020
With level 2 and 1 easing sports restrictions, Emperors Palace in Kempton Park is proud to announce the return of championship boxing to the Palace of Dreams. Partnering with Golden Gloves and Supersport, the first tournament since the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world is dubbed Back 4 Battle and will be a live, televised event with no live audience, exclusive to Supersport.
‘It’s been a tough time for our fighters, but life must go on. In this new normal we’ve had to adapt and we feel now is the time to once again showcase the local boxing talent we have in the Golden Gloves stable,’ says Rodney Berman CEO of Golden Gloves. ‘All our fighters will go through rigorous testing and then be in isolation at Emperors Palace for two weeks before the tournament. The health and safety of our fighters, their trainers and all the officials are most important to us.’
The tournament will be live on Supersport Action on 10 October from 19h30 and will feature the final of the 4@War competition. The final sees Brandon Thysse face Boyd Allen for WBA Pan African Middleweight title in a much anticipated fight that has had both fighters staying fit during this lockdown period.
‘We’ve been waiting for this final for a long time, and both Brandon and Boyd have been working hard at their fitness during these restrictive times. With the Junior Middleweight title on the line, this is going to be an explosive fight,’ states Berman.
Other fights on the bill include: Roarke Knapp facing Tristan Truter in a Junior Middleweight clash which will determine third and fourth place for 4@ War. Chris Thompson takes on Akani Phuzi in a SA Cruiserweight match up, and the first of the “Last Man Standing” fights, while the WBA Pan African Welterweight Title will be on the line when Erik Kapia squares off against Jabulani Makhense.
Back 4 Battle is an outstanding and the first boxing tournament on both Supersport and at the Palace of Dreams in over 10 months and is a welcome return. ‘We’re always seen ourselves as the home of boxing in South Africa and are partnership with Golden Gloves is something we’re immensely proud of. We’re looking forward to Back 4 Battle and it’s no doubt going to be another cracker of a tournament!’ says Emperors Palace Complex Manager Clive Tavener.
Back 4 Battle is taking place at Emperors palace on 10 October at 19h30 and will be televised live on Supersport Action.
Reviews
First, look down when you walk in: the interior walkways are paved with authentic Smart Stone Huguenot Cobbles, engineered specifically to replicate the tactile feeling of walking on real, ancient Roman highways. It is an incredible piece of immersive design that has stood the test of time since its inception.
Second, as someone sensitive to travel fatigue, the engineering here is spectacular. Despite being right next to major runways, the structural acoustics completely eliminate aviation noise. Furthermore, if you explore the convention wing, the rooms are named chronologically after Roman Emperors (Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius), featuring a highly advanced smart-lighting system that subtly shifts tone to help international travelers fight jet lag.
The multi-tiered security checks at the gates provide immense peace of mind, making it a safe, self-contained empire. From the manicured garden paths to the world-class service, it is a flawless, deeply thought-out destination. Don't just stop by for a quick game—take a moment to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship of the Palace of Dreams!
Hidden Details Most Guests Don't Know The Secret History of the Floors:
When the resort opened in September 2000, it was named Caesars Gauteng. The internal casino paths use custom Huguenot Cobble and Shepstone Pavers designed by SmartStone to precisely mimic the durability and texture of ancient Roman stone highways.
The "Imperial Court" Conference Subtext:
The major conference rooms in the South Wing are purposefully named after successive Roman emperors—Claudius, Augustus, Tiberius, Florian, and Romanus. They feature a hidden central smart-lighting grid that automatically shifts color warmth to match the biological clock of travelers suffering from jet lag.
The Multilayered Security Ring: Casual visitors often miss how tightly the security net is woven. Because of its position right next to O.R. Tambo International Airport, the property utilizes an advanced, continuous perimeter sweep and bag-screening protocol that keeps it significantly safer than standard commercial venues.
The Sound-Insulated Aviation Oasis: Despite being directly in the flight path of Africa's busiest airport, the structural glass and architectural roofing are uniquely engineered to absorb low-frequency jet engine vibrations, meaning you can sit in the gardens or sleep in the hotels in absolute peace
Where to find us
64 Jones Road, Kempton Park, South Africa
EMPERORS PALACE, THE PALACE OF DREAMS IS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS A YEAR