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Buthelezi bounces back for WBO shot

BACK ON TRACK: Gideon Buthelezi after he dethroned Jonas Kgasago in their SA mini flyweight title fight at the Carousel in Hammanskraal in 2008. Buthelezi won the fight on points. Pic: Tsheko Kabasia. 29/05/2010. © Sowetan. Gideon Buthelezi with a belt after he won over Jonas Kgasago during their 12 round SA Mini Flyweigth Title Fight at Carousel in Hamanskraal. Gedion the challenger won the fight on points. Picture By : Tsheko Kabasia
BACK ON TRACK: Gideon Buthelezi after he dethroned Jonas Kgasago in their SA mini flyweight title fight at the Carousel in Hammanskraal in 2008. Buthelezi won the fight on points. Pic: Tsheko Kabasia. 29/05/2010. © Sowetan. Gideon Buthelezi with a belt after he won over Jonas Kgasago during their 12 round SA Mini Flyweigth Title Fight at Carousel in Hamanskraal. Gedion the challenger won the fight on points. Picture By : Tsheko Kabasia

GIDEON "Hardcore" Buthelezi could become South Africa's latest mini-atom bomb, walking boxing encyclopaedia Terry Pettifer said yesterday.

GIDEON "Hardcore" Buthelezi could become South Africa's latest mini-atom bomb, walking boxing encyclopaedia Terry Pettifer said yesterday.

But he was speaking in his capacity as spokesperson for Golden Gloves Promotions, whose boss, promoter Rodney Berman, has given Buthelezi an opportunity to show his worth in the international arena.

Buthelezi will fight Ronelle Ferreras from the Philippines for the WBO Africa title on June 19 at Emperors Palace near OR Tambo International Airport.

This fight will form part of Berman's four-title championship gala tournament, dubbed "Blockbuster".

Buthelezi is a former national champion. Trained by Johnny du Plooy, he fought Jonas Kgasago for the title on May 30 2008.

But Buthelezi lost his crown four months later to Tshepo Lefele, who stopped him in six rounds. He bounced back strongly after almost a year.

Stopping Thobani Mbangeni in under two minutes convinced the WBO hierarchy, which sanctioned him to fight for its Africa title.

He erupted like a volcano and wiped out Nelson Mtshali in four rounds in January.

Buthelezi left Du Plooy and teamed up with Elias Tshabalala. He will make his debut under Tshabalala in the June 19 fight and will also appear for the first time under Golden Gloves.

Tshabalala's other charges, Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilemba and Bongani "Sweet Pie" Dlamini, will also be in action on the night.

Chilemba will oppose Rupert van Aswegen for the WBC International light heavyweight belt while Dlamini will challenge IBO Africa lightweight champion Jason Bedeman.

Meanwhile, Boxing South Africa's 2009 prospect of the year, Flo Simba will fight Elvis Moyo over four rounds in the heavyweight division.

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