Cold comfort for SA’s Mchunu

But having had a few weeks to adjust the only concern the crusierweight has is to ice his opponent when he steps into the ring in Atlantic City in what will be the early hours of tomorrow morning South African time.

The former South African champion will meet Nigerian-born, American-based former Olympian Olanrewaju Durodola, and if their respective records are anything to go by, then a knockout is on the cards.

“Thabiso’s had a bit of a culture shock with the cold and snow over there but other than that the team is in good spirits,” Damien Michael, who promotes the 25-year-old, said before his departure to the US.

The fight is the second in a deal penned between Showpony Promotions and Main Events, led by boxing doyenne Kathy Duva, and is a major opportunity for “The Rock” to add to his growing reputation.

“This is a chance for Thabiso to impress people and we definitely want to end this with a stoppage, although we are in no way underestimating his opponent,” Michael said.

Mchunu will step into the ring having only lost once in his 15-fight career with 10 of his 14 victories coming inside the distance. His opponent, on the other hand, has secured 17 wins, 16 via the short route and has only lost once.

“Ideally it would be for the WBC green belt, that’s all we’re eating and breathing at this stage. We don’t want to wait too long before going for a title shot. Kathy agrees that if he gets a quick stoppage win then we need to seriously start looking at mounting a challenge for a world title.

“He’s in a position where he can go further if he wins. He’s had the backing and the time is right for him to go out on the world stage,” Michael concluded.