Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Cracks are beginning to show in the Nick Durandt stable, confirming rumours that all is not well in that establishment.

First Cassius "Hitman" Baloyi looks set to part ways with Durandt because the former six-time world champion suspects that Durandt sold him out against Malcolm "The Stone" Klassen.

Klassen ended Baloyi's reign as the IBF junior lightweight champion last weekend. For the record Baloyi and Klassen are trained and managed by Durandt, who chose to man Baloyi's corner.

Klassen opted for Gert Strydom, an outsider, who helped him to defeat Gary St Clair in 2007.

Now Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilembe has bolted from Durandt's stable, and joined the ever growing Hotbox gym of trainer Colin Nathan.

The good-looking, skilful and charismatic 20-year-old fighter from Blantyre in Malawi had been with Durandt since 2005. He left him on Monday. Together they chalked up 12 wins (8 KOs) against a defeat.

"Yes, I have joined Nathan. I have already trained at his gym," Chilemebe confirmed on Wednesday. "This is a pure business decision."

He last fought in September when he won the ABU super middleweight belt.

Nathan said Chilembe approached him.

"I did not poach him. Hotbox gym is becoming the home of champions - noma kanjani," he said in delight.

It boasts top fighters including IBO junior lightweight champion Zolani "Untouchable" Marali, IBO Pan African flyweight title holder Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler, prospect of 2008 Jarred "The Storm" Lovett as well as Beijing Olympian Jackson Chauke.

Nathan announced that Chilembe will challenge for the vacant WBO Pan African light heavyweight belt on June 6 against an opponent whose name will be confirmed today by promoter Rodney Berman.

Berman's Golden Gloves and King Ramapedi's World Sports Promotions will jointly promote Chilembe, who has a contract with Ramapedi.