THERE'S still three full weeks to go before Zolani "Last Born" Tete puts his world title on the line against Paul "Baby Faced Assassin" Butler in the UK.

But the South African is already within the weight limit of 52.16kg for the defence of his IBF junior-bantamweight belt, according to trainer Lehlohonolo Ledwaba.

This gym freak from Mdantsane has been in Johannesburg for three weeks working out twice a day in Stanley Ndlovu's gym, where Ledwaba and Phumzile Matyhila are working hard to add the finishing touches to his mental and physical make-up.

Said Ledwaba: "Working with a committed fighter like Tete is just a pleasure. His attitude towards training makes it easy for me to assist him.

"I mean, already he is within the limit. That says a lot about his dedication and professionalism."

Ledwaba - himself a disciplined former world champ - said he needed to beef up on sparring partners "because the guys that we are using [Mfusi Maxhayi, Bongani Silila, Sibusiso Twani and Forster Maluleka] are somehow soft".

Said Tete: "I cannot wait for March 6. My camp is far better this time because I have more sparring partners. I am able to spar well over 12 rounds."