Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

As part of its effort to improve on the quality of it's fights in South Africa, the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) has sanctioned an intriguing local shootout between Ludumo Galada and Takalani Ndlovu.

This fight is pencilled for January 23 at Orient Theatre in Mdantsane.

Galada, who will enjoys home advantage, will attempt a second defence of his WBF featherweight belt. The Bible-punching champion won the title in August last year with a first round stoppage of David Kiilu.

Trainer Lennox Mpulampula guided him to a second round stoppage win over Argentinian Pedro Navarrete in his first defence in November. It was his sixth short route victory from 13 wins.

The general feeling is that that was this former Olympian's last defence because his five months of fame will come to a screeching end against the vastly experience, more skilful and hard hitting challenger from Soweto.

Ndlovu is on a mission to stake his claim in the international arena. He forfeited the International Boxing Organisation junior featherweight belt after his defeat by Steve Molitor for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt two years ago.

Ndlovu, who is known as "The Panther" for his cat-like moves in the ring, is a very dangerous fighter.

Matching him with a novice like Galada is suicidal. Ndlovu, whose fighting ability is perfected by esteemed trainer Nick Durandt, is tipped as a 100-1 hot favourite to win via a stoppage.

He has all the ammunition to stage a successful coup. Ndlovu boasts 18 stoppages, three more than Galada's combined fights, from 28 wins.

In his last fight in August last year Ndlovu lost via a split decision to Fernando Beltran Junior for the IBO featherweight belt and suffered his fifth defeat.