WEDNESDAY, 2.30PM:
MIKE TYSON’S fall from the World Boxing Association (WBA) rankings could give two South African heavyweights a crack at the world title. Fransie Botha and Corrie Sanders are in line for title shots soon. The American-based Botha is now the number one challenger for Evander Holyfield’s title.
The former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) champion, Botha, is handled by Tyson’s promoter Don King. Sanders is ranked number two.
King, who is believed to have an option for Holyfield’s next defence, could give Botha a chance at the title. Sanders’ promoter, Rodney Berman from Golden Gloves Promotions in Johannesburg, has secured a fight for him against former two-time world champion George Foreman on September 7.
If Sanders beats Foreman he could face World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Lennox Lewis in November in South Africa. Should the Foreman fight fall through, Berman has already negotiated with British promoter Frank Warren for Sanders to fight against WBO champion Herbie Hyde.
“We’ve got confirmation that Lewis will defend against Sanders in South Africa and having said that, Sanders does not want to sit back and remain idle until then,” said Berman of the fight between Sanders and Foreman.
Meanwhile, South African “Baby” Jake Matlala is tipped to beat Michael Carbajal in Las Vegas on July 18. American trainer Bill Benton said: “Carbajal is left with three more fights in his career. He is fast going down the hill. If he slips as he has recently, Matlala will beat him.”