ALMOST everyone who has watched Jason "Badman" Bedeman in action seems to agree that the 20-year-old IBO Africa lightweight champion is one of the most exciting fighters in SA, says analyst Terry Pettifer.

ALMOST everyone who has watched Jason "Badman" Bedeman in action seems to agree that the 20-year-old IBO Africa lightweight champion is one of the most exciting fighters in SA, says analyst Terry Pettifer.

"Jason is a warrior: a throwback to the blistering days of Mike Holt, Eddie Thomas and Bruce McIntyre," he said yesterday. "The man has five forward gears and no reverse. He'll take three shots to land one and then he'll really make it count."

Undefeated as a professional after 10 fights, Bedeman will oppose Ghanaian Bilal Mohammad for the vacant WBA Pan African lightweight title at Emperors Palace on February 27.

Pettifer said promoter Jeff Ellis described Bedeman's fight as high-risk because Mohammad is a one-punch hitter.

Bedeman's manager/ trainer Manny Fernandes agrees with Ellis but feels that his emerging star has the strength, power and durability to knock out any opponent.

Bedeman stopped Grant "Fireball" Fourie in the 10th round for the IBO All Africa title in September and did the same to Joseph Modise in the first round in his first defence in November.

Pettifer said promoter Rodney Berman compared Bedeman's attack to that of former SA lightweight champion Norman "Pangaman" Sekgapane.