Deon Potgieter BOXING
If you looked at Zolani Petelo’s fistic career three years ago, you could easily have questioned whether the likeable Eastern Cape boxer had much of a future in the sport. Yet he is now the only South African boxer rated internationally as the best in his division and makes the fifth defence of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) strawweight world title on June 2.
On December 27 1997 Petelo – coming off two straight losses, with a record of nine wins, two losses and two draws – landed a world title fight against Rattanopol Sorvorapin. At the time Sorvorapin had held the crown for five years and had made an astounding 16 successful world title defences, in the process earning himself legendary status in the division.
No one, other than Petelo and his trainer/manager Mzi Mnguni, believed that Petelo had even an outside chance of capturing the title. The fight, held in Thailand, turned out to be one of the biggest upsets in world boxing, with Petelo stopping Sorvorapin in five rounds.
Since then he’s defended his crown against Faisol Akbar, Carmelo Caceres, Eric Jamili and Ernesto Rubillar. Petelo’s last bout, against Rubillar, was a tough fight which attracted a lot of criticism. The tag of being the best in the division doesn’t come cheaply and convincing wins are always expected.
His fifth defence, which takes place in Kent, is against Mickey Cantwell. Cantwell previously unsuccessfully challenged Baby Jake Matlala for the World Boxing Organisation junior flyweight world title in 1997 and went the full distance with the champion. His record now stands on 15 wins, five losses and one draw.
An impressive victory is imperative for Petelo, as his promoters Golden Gloves are engaged in negotiations to secure him a match with IBF junior flyweight world champion Ricardo Lopez. Lopez is also ranked as the best in his division, so a bout between these two would be hailed as an international super-fight.
Irichelle Duran, daughter of the legend Roberto Duran, makes her professional debut on the Petelo-Cantwell under-card and may very well feature in her next bout in South Africa.
William Gare, current national junior middleweight and World Boxing Council intercontinental middle-weight champion, has received an unexpected opportunity to fight for the World Boxing Union middle- weight world title on Saturday in Italy. He replaces Johnson Tshuma, current national middleweight champion, against Antonio Perugino for the title. Tshuma failed a medical test this week and had to withdrew from the bout.
Gare, who is generally acknowledged as the most improved boxer in the country, has a record of 14 wins with four losses, including a points win over Tshuma. Perugino is undefeated after 14 bouts. Although it’s a wonderful opportunity for Gare to win a world title, spare a thought for the veteran Tshuma. He’s been in sensational form of late and may not get another chance at world honours.