Andrew Muchineripi : Boxing
Corrie Sanders could become the third boxer from South Africa to hold the world heavyweight title if he beats tough-as-teak American Ross Puritty next Saturday.
The two clash for the vacant World Boxing Union (WBU) title on the Jumbo Cash and Carry bill dubbed the “Amabuthu Empi” extravaganza at the Carousel on Novwember 15.
But if the Pretoria-based southpaw is to have his name added to the South African world heavyweight champions’ list that includes Gerrie Coetzee and Francois Botha, then he should not fall into the trap of slugging it out with his 30-year-old opponent.
Puritty, whose record reads (23-10-1) is a banger and can equally take a solid punch. He has beaten 21 of his victims inside the distance – proof of his enormous punching power.
Sanders should use his hand speed and move all the time to outclass the 115kg Puritty. Although he’s a tough cookie – he has only lost once in 34 bouts when he was knocked cold by American toughie Nate Tubbs in 1995 – the 31-year-old South African should not underestimate his opponent’s punching power.
Trainer Harold Volbrecht believes his charge has the ability to capture the crown which became vacant when the authorities stripped the title from veteran George Foreman for failing to defend it. On his arrival this week Puritty, accompanied by trainer and former welterweight great Curtis Cokes, predicted a victory.
Puritty sent out dangerous signals by knocking out southpaw Joe Hipp – something he believes he’ll do in his first quest for the world title. While Puritty will be trying to add his name to the list of numerous American heavyweight champions, Sanders will be attempting to have his name engraved in the history book along with that of former WBA champion Coetzee and Botha, who once held the IBF version.
Coetzee stopped Michael Dokes in September 1983 in Ohio but lost the title in his first defence against Greg Page at Sun City three months later.
Botha outpointed Germany’s Alex Schulz in Stuttgart in December 1995 but later had his title stripped from him after he was found to have taken an illegal substance.
The Sanders/Puritty fight is one of three championship fights in this five-bout extravaganza. The other two fights are non- title international bouts. Another world championship bout on the bill features WBU super bantamweight holder Cassius Baloyi against the unknown but experienced Hungarian Laszlo Bognar.
Baloyi, a sleek mover is capable of throwing hooks, crosses and combinations, and his quick handspeed and jabs are likely to frustrate the unbeaten 29-year-old Bognar, who campaigned at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
A fight that is likely to catch interest of many boxing lovers features legend Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran (100-13), who meets American PJ Goossen (17-1) in a middleweight non-title 10-rounder. In his two fights this year Duran lost one but won the other, and he’s confident of winning a world title again.
Heading the bill is IBF junior featherweight champion Vuyani Bungu who makes his 10th title defence against Australian Arnel Barottilo.
The Mdantsane-based champion beat American Kennedy McKinney and went on to retain it against the former Olympic gold medalist. Barottilo (23) was born in the Philippines but campaigns out of Australia. He has won three of his last fights inside the distance and has been in the country for almost two weeks to acclimatise to local conditions.
“I want Bungu’s title badly. I’ve waited too long and cannot let this chance slip away,” said the determined 23-year-old challenger. Barottilo is dangerous in the opening rounds but tends to fade as the fight progresses.
If Bungu survives Barottilo’s onslaught early on in the fight he can rest assured that he’ll win, but it’s not going to be easy. Barottilo is strong and has been in the ring with some of the best in the world.
Pint-sized world champion Jacob Matlala has been deprived of a chance of defending his IBA junior flyweight title because the South African Boxing Commission does not recognise the IBA.
Matlala, who turns 37 in January, should have no problems in beating Luis Doria (13- 2) in a 10-round international bout. Matlala (47-11), who caused an upset by beating Mexican legend Michael Carbajal on a technical knockout, wants to fight for a unification title with a champion of another organisation. “I will not rest until I’ve achieved my goal. I’ll continue to work hard because I believe I’m one of the most dedicated and committed boxers the country has ever produced,” said Baby Jake.