Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Promoter Rodney Berman says Malcolm Klaasen will silence his critics by winning the IBF junior lightweight title from Gairy St Clair and become the third local fighter to wear that belt.

The fight due to take place at Emperors Palace on Saturday, is the venue where St Clair won both the IBF and IBO belts from Cassius Baloyi.

Retired former world champion Brian Mitchell, who is now based in the US, and Baloyi are two fighters who were first paved the way.

Mitchell, coincidentally manages Baloyi whose short reign ended in July.

St Clair, the Guyana fighter who is based in Australia, has been tipped as a favourite to outshine Klaasen.

Klaasen, who holds the South African featherweight title, is moving up a weight division.

"Malcolm is going to surprise everyone who ever doubted his credentials," said Berman.

But the retired former South African and WBA featherweight, WBC International and WBU junior light champion, Philip Ndou said promoter Berman is daydreaming.