Mathalane’s long absence ends on Saturday

The 31-year-old boxer, regarded as one of South Africa’s top pound-for-pound fighters, will take the ring as a strong favourite.

South Africa’s longest-reigning champion at the time shocked the local boxing fraternity three months ago when he pulled out of a mandatory IBF defence against Thailand’s Amnat Ruenroeng and relinquished the organisation’s flyweight title.

Manager-trainer Nick Durandt simultaneously announced Mthalane’s fight against Oliva.

“To some, this seemed illogical because in international boxing circles holding an IBF title is considered more prestigious than being in possession of the IBO belt,” Durandt said.

“But that is simplifying the issue. Had Moruti gone through with the fight in Bangkok, he would have fought for peanuts.”

Durandt said after various deductions to a R100 000 purse, Moruti would have been left with something in the vicinity of R60 000.

“Instead, we have been guaranteed a R1-million pay-out to fight in KwaZulu Natal and that outweighs anything else.

“Moruti will still have every chance of picking up lucrative title fights of other boxing associations in the future, including that of the IBF and possible unification contests.”

The boxer who was unable to secure a single fight last year despite being the champion of one of boxing’s four top controlling organisations, is now poised to reap some belated rewards of his talent.

“But it remains a bitter irony, that Moruti tried mightily to secure a worthwhile defence of his IBF title last year — with three proposed fights on the line being called off for one reason or another and leaving him without a single bout during the year.”

Mthalane became the IBF champion in 2009 with a victory over the much-vaunted Julio Cesar Miranda. He defended his title four times with his last fight being a crushing eighth-round tko win in Panama City against Ricardo Nunez in September 2012.

“Now we aim to belatedly cash in — starting with the Durban fight” said Durandt.

“Oliva might not be the greatest flyweight in the world but his record of 19 wins, a single defeat and two draws makes him a valid contender.”

However, Oliva has plummeted to a 98th ranking by the IBO over the last three months from 36th at the start of the year.

And unless Mthalane’s proven ability has deteriorated considerably as a result of his long absence from the ring, the nuggety South African should begin a new chapter of his career as a champion in Durban on Saturday night.

– Sapa