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Machimane gets his big break

CHAMP: Osborne Machimane. Pic. Antonio Muchave.10/10/06. © Sowetan.
CHAMP: Osborne Machimane. Pic. Antonio Muchave.10/10/06. © Sowetan.

Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Osborne Machimane gets the biggest break of his career on Friday night when he challenges Shane Cameron for his WBA Pan African and IBF Pan Pacific heavyweight titles at Cowles Stadium in New Zealand.

Physical trainer Ross Behr, who helped Machimane before he left for New Zealand last Thursday with Silence Mabuza, fancies his fighter's chances.

"He has got a big chance. He is physically fitter than he has ever been. If he loses this fight it will be because his mind is not right," said Behr, who honed the skills of prop Ballie Swart before South Africa won the rugby World Cup in 1995.

"But he should be mentally right. This is a golden chance for him to make a name for himself. I did all I could to prepare him physically."

"Big Daddy", as the Limpopo-born fighter is known, was unimpressive in his last fight that he won via a seventh-round stoppage against Wiseman Dlomo in Durban last month. It was the first defence of his title and his eighth stoppage win from 12 victories against four losses and a draw.

Cameron, the "Mountain Warrior", who stopped Roger Izonrieti in 10 rounds to win the WBA Pan African and the IBF Pan Pacific titles in July, will enjoy home ground advantage.

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