I'll add world title to my belts - Fortuin

Sharrodene "Shinzo" Fortuin has promised to add the world boxing title to her collection of belts.

The Port Elizabeth-born national bantamweight champion paid tribute to promoter Tando Zonke after he matched her with Argentinian Maria Magdalene Rivera in a fight for the vacant IBO title.

The 10-rounder will top Zonke's tournament at the Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre tonight.

The tournament will be bankrolled by the provincial sports department, thanks to senior manager Bafundi Makhubalo, who is fully behind any move to promote the province through sport.

"I don't like to talk but rather prefer to let my fists do the talking. But I want to thank the promoter and the IBO for giving me this opportunity," said Fortuin, who has been involved in only five fights with a single defeat.

While Fortuin looks set for stardom, Zonke conceded that putting the world championship tournament together was no child's play.

"I have not been able to sleep since I started putting together this tournament," Zonke said.

He had his wish of using female judges granted when IBO president Edward Levine appointed Waleska Roldan and Robin Taylor from New York. He said they would be assisted by their male colleague, Deon Duarte.

In other boxing news, Champions Boxing Academy will host an amateur tournament at the Champions Boxing Hall in Maraisburg, west of Johannesburg. Organiser Raeez Khan said action will begin at 2pm.

On Sunday afternoon, national junior lightweight holder, Jasper Seroka, will make his mandatory defence against Koos Sibiya in the main attraction of Eyethu Promotion's card at Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre.