Boxing fans have been warned to keep vigilant during the much-awaited rematch between Isaac Hlatshwayo and Sam Malinga at Carnival City in Brakpan on Saturday night — for they may miss the action.
The pair fought over four rounds four years ago, when Hlatshwayo outpointed Malinga.
Their encounter will be the main supporting bout to the vacant IBO featherweight clash between Vuyani ”Beast” Bungu and Takalani ”Panther” Ndlovu.
Bungu and Ndlovu, who have promised a blood bath, will also be meeting for the second time in their careers.
Bungu beat Ndlovu on points over 10 rounds at the same venue in May last year.
The tournament will be staged by Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman, whose company will be responsible for the three-day bonanza that has been dubbed the ”Grandslam”.
Hlatshwayo is the South African lightweight champion and Malinga holds the lesser-recognised WBF junior welterweight belt.
Hlatshwayo (26), from Shisasi Village in Giyani, turned professional in 2000 and is yet to taste defeat after 17 wins (eight stoppages) with three defences.
Malinga, on the other hand, occupies the number-one spot in the junior welterweight local ratings, but with his opponent’s pedigree, the challenger from Newcastle will have his work cut out.
Hlatshwayo’s mentor Manny Fernandez, who scooped Boxing SA’s Trainer of 2003 Award last week, anticipates a thrill-a-minute affair.
”Sam is on a high after winning the WBF title. I am looking forward to a tough fight but my man will emerge victorious,” said Fernandez on Friday.
Hlatshwayo said he was not fully prepared when he faced Malinga in their first clash.
”I took that fight a night before the weigh-in but I still managed to beat him. It was also my third professional fight.
”Imagine what will happen this time around now that I have had enough time to prepare,” said Hlatshwayo.
Fernandez said his charge would prove on Saturday that he is the ”ultimate warrior”.
”Sam will be beaten,” he said. ”We can even stop him in later rounds.”
Hlatshwayo returns to the venue where he outpointed national junior welter champion Lewele over 10 rounds in May last year. The match was nominated for Boxing SA’s Fight of 2003.
”I will do exactly what I did to Lucky,” said Hlatshwayo. — Sapa