Boxing hopeful Brandon Thysse could soon face reigning SA junior middleweight champion Nkululeko "Bull Dog" Mhlongo.

That is if the 24-year-old Thysse wins his bout on Thursday against Fortune Muyumba at Presley's Restaurant in Boksburg. Thysse is rated No 3 for Mhlongo's title.

Top-two contenders - Hansie Carr and Franse "Fighting Time" Ramabolu - do not qualify to face Mhlongo.

Carr has not fought since December last year, and he should have long lost the top spot.

Ramabolu, who is at No 2, was outpointed by Mhlongo on October 27. Logic then dictates that Thysse is the next eligible contender for Mhlongo. Victory on Thursday should also have the effect on the ratings.

Mhlongo, who is guided by Sechaba Mabuya, has defended four times. He needs one more defence to claim the ownership of BSA's belt.

Thysse has a good amateur pedigree. He turned professional late last year.

His bout against Muyumba from the DR Congo will be staged by his father - promoter Andre Thysse - who trades under the banner of Real Steel Promotions.

The promoter dubbed his eight-bout card tournament the "Christmas Bash".

Thysse's stable-mate at Battle Team Gym in Boksburg, Sibusiso "The Spook" Zingange, and Ashley "Stimela" Dlamini will head the bill with a 12-rounder for the vacant ABU junior lightweight title.