Mthalane Gets Second Title Chance

By Lwazi Ndzobongo: Moruti Mthalane gets a second chance to claim the IBF Flyweight title at Wembley Arena on Friday Night. Mthalane will meet Mexican Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant title.

Miranda who has fought most of his life in Mexico has won 22 of his last 23 fights including 21 stoppages, his only loss was to the experienced Pongsaklek Wongjongkam challenging for the WBC belt. Mthalane was unsuccessful in his first attempt after sustaining cuts to his head against Nonito Donaire in November, 2008. This should be great fight between two very good fighters, expect Mthalane, 23-2-(16), to box Miranda, 30-4-1-(23), and try to stay away from the hard punching Mexican, if he is able to do this, the altitude will catch up with him. It is after all only his second fight outside of Mexico.

On the undercard Zolani Tete returns to fight for the vacant WBO Africa Flyweight title against Tanzanian Anthony Matthias. Tete’s promoters are hoping a win here can lead him to the WBO title, you also can’t rule out a clash with Mthalane should both fighters win. The hard punching Tete, 11-0-(10), should be able to get past Matthias, 24-13-2-(12), who lost his last fight in Kenya only a month ago.

Michael Schultz continues his comeback against Tineyo Maridzo for the WBO Africa interim Super Middleweight title. This will be the former bouncers third fight in as many months since returning to the sport in September. Schultz, 14-0-2-(9), should have little problems getting past Maridzo, 3-6;2) who has lost his last two fights.

Other bouts:
Klaas Mboyane (12-7-2;7) against Cleutus Mbhele (12-9-1), Bantamweight
Jeffrey Mathebula (26-2-2;12) against Rashid Ally (13-12-8;2), Junior Featherweight

November 19, 2009