×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Mthalane waits for crack at IBF flyweight title

MORUTI "Baby Face" Mthalane won't be involved in an IBF title eliminator.

MORUTI "Baby Face" Mthalane won't be involved in an IBF title eliminator.

The warrior from KwaZulu Natal whose fighting prowess is perfected in Gauteng by Nick Durandt will now fight for the actual IBF flyweight belt.

This after Philippines fighter, Nonito "Filipino Flash" Donaire vacated the belt last Friday. He is moving up a division.

Donaire advised the IBF through his promoter Bob Arum in a letter a few hours before Arum and Branco Milenkovic were to engage in a bid to stage the Mthalane-Donaire rematch.

Donaire stopped Mthalane in the sixth-round in November last year. That stoppage was caused by a laceration inside Mthalane right eye.

Donaire's first defence was met by boos inside the Convention Centre at Mandalay Bay, Resort and Casino, US. Fans did not understand what caused the premature stoppage but a medical doctor from the Nevada State Athletic Commission explained that since the cut was inside the eye it could cause permanent damage. Milenkovic promised to get Mthalane back to the top.

He said yesterday. "The IBF appointed Moruti as mandatory challenger for Donaire. US promoter Bob Arum and myself were given 30 days to negotiate the rights to the fight.

"That didn't happen because I didn't want to negotiate with Bob, so the IBF set the purse bid which was supposed to take place last Friday. The rest is history".

Mthalane will face the winner between Mexicans, Ric Ortiz and Julio Cesar Miranda who will fight for the number two spot this Saturday.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.