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WBF president proves a blessing to local boxers

PROUD: World Boxing Federation president Howard Goldberg looks on with pride at pictures of previous fights in which he has officiated. PHOTO: Terry Shean
PROUD: World Boxing Federation president Howard Goldberg looks on with pride at pictures of previous fights in which he has officiated. PHOTO: Terry Shean

HAVING the World Boxing Federation (WBF) president Howard Goldberg in South Africa is proving highly beneficial to local boxers.

Firstly, Francois Botha was afforded the opportunity to fight for the vacant WBF world heavyweight title in November last year at Montecasino. He will be given a final lifeline when he gets the chance to even the score in the rematch against Michael Grant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in May.

Goldberg has also been instrumental in organising Ali "Rush Hour" Funeka, the current WBF world junior welterweight king, his first defence against former IBF world champ Steve Forbes.

This intriguing fight is scheduled for June in the USA. There are rumours that Mzonke Fana might also be on the same bill challenging for the WBF world lightweight title.

The latest South African to benefit from the WBF's president's connections is Julie "Queen" Tshabalala, the current South African middleweight champion.

Tshabalala has an incredibly tough task when she meets undefeated number one middleweight and current WBF world champion, Christina Hammer, in the Ukraine on March 10.

"This is a huge and difficult fight for Queen who has nothing to lose. Knowing her fighting spirit, she may just upset Hammer," Goldberg said.

Goldberg recently returned from a WBF fight in Mexico and several meetings in New York.

He jets out again next week, headed for Mexico where an excellent WBF world super flyweight title will take place in Guadalajara on February 25 between Juan Montes and former world champion Oscar Ibarra.

The WBF president will supervise the fight.

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