Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Isaac Hlatswayo is in Australia to pave the way for a golden appearance at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, US, on December 8 when Floyd Mayweather defends the WBC welterweight belt against Ricky Hatton.

Hlatswayo, from Shisase Village in Thohoyandou, defends the IBO welterweight belt against Robert Medley at the Panthers Leagues Club in Penrith, Sydney next Friday.

Medley, 26, is undefeated after 18 wins, with 12 knockouts. This right-handed fighter from Oakdale in New South Wales holds both the IBO Inter-Continental and the IBF Australasian titles, which are lesser recognised.

Golden Gloves boss Rodney Berman, who guides the promising career of Hlatswayo, promised that an impressive win over Medley would present Hlatswayo a rare opportunity for local fighters to appear at the MGM Grand hotel, which has hosted most of the world's best fighters.

That is why the eagerly-awaited showdown between American Mayweather, who is regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, and Englishman Hatton will be staged there.

Both Mayweather and Hatton are yet to lose a fight after 38 wins and 43 victories, respectively.

Medley rose to fame when he outpointed Kaizer Mabuza for the IBF Australasian title in February. Hlatswayo says he will not do what Mabuza did.

"Kaizer rocked him badly twice but took his foot off the peddle. I will not stop throwing leather until he collapses," warned the former SA and IBO undefeated lightweight champion who boasts an impressive CV of 26 wins (9 KOs), one loss and a no contest.