Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

While globally fight fans await the rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Felix Trinidad, South Africa could witness its own rematch between Malcolm "The Stone" Klassen and Mzonke Fana.

Sources say American promoter Don King and Golden Boy Promotions of Richard Schaefet are near an agreement for Hopkins to fight Trinidad in November. Trinidad, 36, suffered his first defeat against Hopkins, now 44, in 2001.

Meanwhile Branco Milenkovic confirmed yesterday that Klassen could defend the IBF junior lightweight belt against "The Rose of Khayelitsha", who is ranked fourth.

"I can confirm to you that Fana will be fighting in the eliminator for the mandatory position very soon," said Milenkovic whose Branco Sports Production promotes both fighters.

"The date will be made known as soon as the IBF confirms the opponent. It will take place within 90 days after that."

Milenkovic insists though that BSP and Klassen's priority is the unification with WBC holder, Humbero Soto. The Mexican defends on May 2 against Canadian amateur standout Benoit Gaudet.

Fana beat Klassen on points in their first fight on March 20 2007 for the IBF belt that Fana subsequently lost to Cassius Baloyi last April.

Fana has fought once since that defeat. He stopped Victor Manon, a hopeless fighter from Philippines, in three rounds.

Klassen regained the IBF belt in a seventh-round stoppage over Baloyi last weekend.