I will stop Euro champ – Moruti

He’ll put his IBF flyweight title on the line for a fifth time next week when he meets Silvio Olteanu in Leipzig, Germany, and, judging from his workout yesterday, he’s more than ready for the battle against the Spain-based European champion.

Olteanu is the mandatory challenger, but Mthalane and his connections are confident that “Babyface” will prove too strong, even if they’re forced to hit the road again to defend the crown.

“I’m feeling confident and I’ve been training so hard for this. I’m more than ready,” Mthalane said, following a sparring session under the watchful eye of trainer Nick Durandt.

“I’ve watched three or four of his fights. I’ve studied him and he’s a good fighter, but I’m ready to hit him with my punches.”

Mthalane had a few reasons to smile yesterday – although his humble, friendly demeanour means it happens every day – with the news that he’d also secured a new sponsor and word that South African fans will be able to see his fight on October 19.

“I’m very excited to say that South Africa will see this fight live. I’ve basically done the work of a promoter and secured the rights for SuperSport. This will be the first time South Africa will see him defend his title in the last three years,” Durandt announced yesterday, adding he was confident in Mthalane’s ability to stop Olteanu.

“Olteanu has never been stopped. He’s been in with some credible fighters but I predict that he will be sent back to Spain after seven rounds. The country’s most successful fighter is the man sitting next to me,” Durandt said, gesturing towards his charge.