DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Friday 12.35pm
STERLING McPherson, manager of Francois Botha and the man responsible for landing his charge’s July 15 date with Lennox Lewis, believes Botha stands a good chance of winning the bout and earning a rematch with Mike Tyson.
”If Botha wins we’re going straight to Tyson for a rematch,” said McPherson.
Botha will receive R6-million for the Lewis fight as opposed to the R12-million he earned against Tyson last January.
”It’s not a ton of money but it’s a grand opportunity and a fight Francois could win.” said McPherson.
Few believe Botha has any chance of unsettling Lewis. The bout is generally regarded as an exhibition tournament for the Universal heavyweight world champion to show off his wares in the UK.
Lewis last fought in his native country four years ago, when he was knocked out by Oliver McCall in two rounds. ”He’s an interesting fighter,” said Lewis of Botha. ”It should be an interesting fight, but he’s getting knocked out.”
McPherson orchestrated Francois Botha’s 1995 IBF heavyweight world title fight as well as the Mike Tyson bout.
”Botha has nine lives as a boxer,” said IBF number-one contender David Tua who’s next in line to face Lewis, ”What did he do to deserve this fight?”
”The reason Tua said what he did is that he’s scared to death that Botha will win and he won’t get his 4 million dollar fight with Lewis.” said McPherson ”He knows where I’m going if Botha does win. I can make it (Tyson) happen”