DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Thursday 6.40pm.
THREE world boxing titles involving South African boxers will be up for grabs at the Carousel next Saturday.
Lindi Memani will be making the first defence of his World Boxing Union’s Mini Flyweight world title against lanky Fillipino, Dennis Sabsal.
“He’s much taller than me,” said Memani. “But I’ll go in close and fight him on the inside.”
The second title on offer belongs to one of South Africa’s highest rated boxers, the current International Boxing Federation’s mini flyweight kingpin, Zolani Petelo. He makes the third defence of his world title against former World Boxing Organisation world champion, Eric Jamili.
All eyes, however, will be on the heir-apparent to Vuyani Bungu’s vacated International Boxing Federation junior featherweight world title, Lehlo “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba.
Ledwaba, a former World Boxing Union Featherweight World Champion, has a tough task ahead of him.
Besides the added pressure of stepping into the shoes of one of South Africa’s all-time greats, he will also be facing a big hitter in John Michael Johnson. Johnson, a former World Boxing Association Bantamweight World champion, is nick-named “Bam Bam” and for good reason.
He’s scored twenty knockouts in his twenty six victories. “He likes to come forward.” Said Ledwaba “But that suites me fine. I like to mix it.”
“It’s going to be very close,” said Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves who are promoting the triple-header world title bill “It all depends who kisses “polly” (the floor) first.”