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Klassen more than ready for war

Malcolm Klassen
Malcolm Klassen

Malcolm "The Stone" Klassen has described Jack "The Assassin" Asis as a real world champion who is not scared to travel to his challenger's back yard when most champions would never leave the comfort of their territories.

Asis - an Australian-based Filipino - will defend his IBO junior lightweight belt against Klassen at Emerald Casino in the Vaal tomorrow night.

Their 12-rounder will headline the bill of Black Gauntlet Promotions.

"I salute this guy for coming here. It shows that he is a true world champion but his bravery will be his undoing because he will go back home empty-handed," warned Klassen during a pre-fight briefing in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

The straight-talking former two-time IBF and WBF junior lightweight holder from Toekomsrus, West Rand, added: "I was robbed in Australia when I fought for the same belt against Will Tomlinson in 2013. But God works in his own ways. My title has presented itself to me and I must just grab it with both hands. I trained very hard for two months."

Asis, 33, will bid for the first defence of the title he won in April last year. He is a veteran of 38 wins, 18 losses and five draws.

Trainer Bernie Pailman, who was in the corner when Klassen lost to Tomlinson, said his charge was "more than ready for war".

Pailman previously guided Klassen to wins over Cassius Baloyi for the IBF belt in 2009, as well as in the lopsided points win that ended the illustrious career of Baloyi in 2012.

Klassen, 33, who also holds the WBA Pan African Intercontinental belt, has 32 wins in 40 bouts.

Asis said: "I am happy to be back in South Africa. I promise local fans a very good fight."

His trainer Brandon Smith added: "We are relieved that all officials will be coming from neutral countries. Jack will not only be defending the title for himself but will also be looking at protecting the pride of Australia because he is currently the only world boxing champion from [there]."

It was announced that the referee will be from the UK, while the judges will come from Ghana, Germany and the UK.

In the main supporting bout Toto Helebe will oppose Jhon "The Disaster" Gemino from the Philippines for the vacant WBA Intercontinental junior featherweight belt.

Action starts at 7pm.

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