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Taliwe can show why he is king

SIPHO "Tsunami" Taliwe took Jasper Seroka's South African junior lightweight title on November 6, but has yet to get the credit he deserves.

SIPHO "Tsunami" Taliwe took Jasper Seroka's South African junior lightweight title on November 6, but has yet to get the credit he deserves.

Tonight this lion-hearted boxer from the small town of Aliwal North in Eastern Cape gets a chance to prove his critics wrong when he defends against No 3 contender Warren "The Warrior" Joubert at Wembley Arena. The Nick Durandt-trained fighter is a chosen opponent.

The champion, who is guided by Benny Pailman, Peter Faver and Cliff Martins, must win convincingly to prove that he is a deserving champion.

South Africa needs such a fighter to fill the shoes of former national champion Mzonke Fana, who reigned supreme for five years with seven defences.

Taliwe, Pailman, Faver and Martins know better why they chose Joubert, who is undefeated in 17 fights, with one draw.

Joubert and Durandt want to spring a surprise. The schedule starts at 10pm and will be live on SABC's Blow by Blow.

By that time Durandt would have exposed trainer Gert Strydom and Bongani Mlotshwa's gamble against Gauteng provincial junior middleweight champion Michael van Heerden. Mlotshwa has just turned professional. He has two stoppages in as many fights, while Van Heerden has become solid in all departments since he turned professional three years ago. He has seven wins (5 KOs) and one loss.

Promoter Reggie Hilman will be in charge. Action kicks off at 8pm.

l On Sunday, Durandt's other charge, Sikhulule Sidzumo, and Mzolisi Yoyo will fight for the vacant South African junior welterweight belt that was vacated by Kaizer Mabuza last month after winning the IBF's No 1 spot against Kendal Holt.

Sidzumo and Yoyo will top the eight-bout card of promoter Mzimasi Mnguni at East London's Orient Theatre. SuperSport will televise the fights live from 2pm.

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