Thabiso Mchunu, above, will break new ground when he takes on American Eddie Chambers in an international cruiserweight fight over 10 rounds in Connecticut this weekend. Picture: Backpagepix
New ground will be broken when both fighters cross the ropes in the cruiserweight clash set for 10 rounds, with Mchunu featuring in his first fight abroad while former heavyweight Chambers is appearing in the division for the first time.
Should “The Rock” emerge victorious in the United States, doors will open for the Durban-born fighter as his promoter Damian Michael revealed that a three-fight deal with Kathy Duva of Main Events, which is putting on the show set to be beamed on US network television, has been agreed.
“This is a massive opportunity for Thabiso. The exposure to the American market that he’ll get is huge,” Michael said ahead of the bout that has added needle given that the two fighters have goaded each other on Twitter in the build-up.
“There’s also the chance that he’ll sign with Kathy Duva which would be massive.
“Not only because of the monetary value but also the opportunities. They’ll love him over there because he has the skill, but also the persona and charisma. He’s flashy and well-spoken.
“Kathy is considered the godmother of the cruiserweight division and that’s exactly why I had no problem linking up with her and Main Events,” he added, referring to Duva looking after the interests of former cruiserweight world champions Tomas Adamek and Steve Cunningham.
The Showpony Promotions boss is confident that Mchunu will not only hold his own against a fighter who once challenged Wladimir Klitschko for heavyweight supremacy but who eventually lost on points decision.
“I think that they might be underestimating Thabiso a little bit, just look at him in the gym and you can see why.
“I really think that he can pull off the win over there but he will need to be at his best from the opening bell and probably needs to knock Chambers down at some stage to get ahead on the cards,” said Michael.
Having had plenty of time to acclimatise in New York over the last week, Team Mchunu are keen to prove that he has what it takes to make the step up by taking on, and hopefully beating, fighters of a higher calibre.
The tournament will be broadcast live from 3.30am on SuperSport 5 on Sunday morning.
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