Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Reigning South African junior middleweight king Vincent "The Rock" Vuma will collide with Mark Thompson for the vacant WBC International title on Friday.

This fight will be promoted by Frank Maloney at Robin Park Centre, Greater Manchester in England. It was coordinated by Branco Milenkovic.

The latter and Maloney used to work together some 10 years back. Their relationship produced two IBO champions in Simon Ramoni and Zolile Mbityi. Vuma left for the UK three days ago while Milenkovic jets out tonight.

Vuma is with Jabulani Malinga because his trainer, Nick Durandt, will be shouting instructions in the corner of Cassius Baloyi at Emperors Palace tomorrow night. Baloyi defends his IBO belt against Mexican Manuel Medina. The winner will also earn the vacant IBF number one spot in the junior lightweight division.

Durandt is comfortable with Malinga. The Ekurhuleni mentor will best be remembered for guiding Tshifhiwa Munyai to victory for the Commonwealth title, also in England, last year.

The duo had spent a night in jail because they apparently did not have work permits. But Malinga still managed to get Munyai's mind right and the boxer knocked Martin Powers cold in nine rounds.

Durandt said: "I don't believe that Thompson has fought the calibre of Vuma or the quality of opponents Vuma has fought."