Mdantsane puncher Thulani Mbenge has vowed to bring home the world IBO welterweight crown to his township.
The confident pugilist comes up against dangerous Argentinean Diego Chavez at Emperors Palace next weekend.
The fight tops a tantalising bill presented by Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP).
The clash is a quantum leap for the dreadlocked Mbenge as Chavez has mixed it with the best in the business – the Argentinean is renowned for epic battles with the likes of Timothy Bradley. And he will come to the fight with a respected fight record of three losses and a draw in 30 bouts.
The South American also packs a mean punch, confirmed by 22 opponents who could not see it through to the final bell against him.
At 32, however, Chavez is now in the twilight of his career.But he views the IBO crown on offer as a carrot being dangled in front of him, and a win would vault him back into the mix for a shot at other titles in a star-studded welterweight division.
The IBO title was previously held by Mbenge’s homeboy, Ali Funeka, who coincidentally won it in a show promoted by Russia’s Roman Belaev four years ago.
Funeka later surrendered the title in his first defence against Tsiko Mulovhedzi who stopped him in five rounds. But Mulovhedzi never defended the title, forcing the IBO to strip him of it.
Now Mbenge stands a chance to add his name to the list of boxers who have held the title.
“I cannot wait to get into the ring against this guy,” Mbenge said this week.
“I hear that he is big banger and an experienced boxer but I have faith in my abilities.”
Indeed, Mbenge has a wealth of experience despite his 14-fights ledger. He spent considerable time in the amateur ranks where he was a member of the SA amateur team.
Mbenge remains the last SA boxer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games when he settled for bronze in Glasgow, Scotland.
Since stripping off his amateur vest he has transferred his prowess to the paid ranks with aplomb.
Only two opponents managed to hear the final bell against him.
He already boasts the SA welterweight crown, the ABU title and the WBC international belt.
Now he will go for the big one in the IBO contest and a win will catapult him into the big-time boxing league.
Berman says Mbenge has the potential to add his name ito the mix of stars who boss the division.
“I have absolute confidence in Mbenge and I believe he will make a name for himself in this talent-deep division,” he said.
“Should be beat Chavez who is no slouch, the world will sit up and take notice.”
The card will also feature Thabiso Mchunu who comes up against Richards Bolotniks of Ukraine in the cruiserweight division...