Deon Potgieter Boxing
If all goes well South Africa will have another world champion come Saturday night. The big hitting Peter Malinga will be challenging Ahmed Katejew for his World Boxing Organisation welterweight world title in Munich.
It will be no easy task for the South African. Russian-born Katejew has been described as a modern day Muhammed Ali and is undefeated after 23 fights. He has won 14 of these by knockout.
“It’ll be a hard fight for Malinga,” says boxing commentator Ron Jackson. “Katejew’s a strong fighter and might have too much for Malinga to handle.”
Although Katejew, who has adopted Germany as his home, is the firm favourite to defend his world title successfully, Terry Pettifer of Golden Gloves Promotions says: “We’re feeling confident that Malinga can cause an upset and return with the title.”
Malinga, the former World Boxing Union welterweight world champion, says: “I feel naked since losing my world title. I’ll be fighting twice as hard because I know I have to impress the judges.”
Rather than a one-off knockout puncher, Katejew gradually wears his opponents down and then finishes them off. He’s also a renowned counter-puncher. “That will suit us,” says Norman Hlabane, Malinga’s trainer and manager. “Peter also likes to counter.”
The prospect of two counter punchers in the ring could turn up a boring fight, but Malinga knows what he has to do. Katejew won his world title on points in February last year and has since made two successful defences – both points victories.
If Malinga takes the fight to the champion and perseveres, that rocket right hand of his could finish the job in the late rounds.