THE IBF junior featherweight crown has spent more time in South African hands than in the clutches of boxers from any other single country. Yet for the first time ever, this belt is to be contested by two Rainbow Nation warriors.

Champion Takalani Ndlovu faces experienced countryman Jeffrey Mathebula at Carnival City on March 24 to defend a title that has been held by four South Africans since 1990.

Ndlovu is the latest in an impressive dynasty comprising Welcome Ncita (champion from 1990-92), Vuyani Bungu (who made a record 13 defences from 1994-1999) and Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (1999-2001). Even Mathebula has previously fought for the belt, losing a controversial split decision in Panama in 2009. That makes five South Africans who have fought for the IBF junior featherweight belt on 35 occasions.

Since the belt was first donned by Bobby Berna of the Philippines in December 1983, no other nation has enjoyed this much possession. Manny Pacquiao is probably the most famous champion but, after dethroning Ledwaba in 2001, he held the title for only four defences before moving on to bigger things.

Another title with a strong SA connection is the IBF junior lightweight belt, also held by four South Africans, starting in 1991 with Brian Mitchell, who relinquished it immediately. Cassius Baloyi, Malcolm Klassen and Mzonke Fana got their hands on it a couple of times each, but none held it for very long. Among them they engaged in just 12 title bouts. Fight promoter Branco Milenkovic says he plans to put the winner into a unification bout.