Siyo chasing saving grace

The last time Siyabonga Siyo was in the ring he left a bitter taste in the mouths of boxing fans after he was awarded a highly debatable decision over Siphamandla Baleni in the IBO Intercontinental mini-flyweight title clash at the Orient Theatre last December.

This even though Baleni appeared to have run away with the victory as he pushed the Duncan Village southpaw to the limits with crisp punches.

But the diminutive Duncan Village boxer will finally have his chance when he engages in his first international fight against Filipino Lito Dante at Orient Theatre this evening.

While his amateur achievements are undeniable, Siyo has yet to make his mark in the paid ranks but his promoter wants to guide him towards a world title challenge.

As a result the WBA International crown will be at stake when he takes on the Filipino tonight.

“I have already spoken to WBA representative Stan Christodoulou and he has assured me that Siyo will crack the WBA ratings if he beats Dante,” SP boss Andile Sidinile says.

Ironically the WBA belt is held by Budler who will risk it against Konkco, meaning Siyo may find himself challenging either Budler or Konkco down the line.

“We do not want to count the chickens before they are hatched so for now Siyo will be content to climb up the ratings until he is within reach of the title shot,” Sidinile continued.

Unbeaten in eight  bouts with four stoppages, Siyo will be expected to carry too  much firepower for the Filipino who has lost four times and drawn three with just nine wins.

However Filipino boxers are traditionally wild swingers and if Siyo has not rectified the mistakes he made against Baleni, he might just find himself seeing  stars.