HUNDREDS, if not thousands, of boxing enthusiasts who have tipped the fearsome Zack "Black Warrior" Mwekassa to win the Super 8 Last Man Standing knockout tournament, are betting on the right horse.

This is according to the straight-talking yet humble boxer, who has promised to walk away with the first prize of R500,000 at the end of this new boxing concept in November.

Talking as if he was emulating American boxing announcer Michael Buffer, Mwekassa said: "To those fans who are supporting me, I want to assure you that you are not backing the wrong horse. Your choice will be aptly rewarded at the end of the tournament."

Mwekassa is from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo but is based in Gauteng where his skills are honed by Colin Nathan and Vusi Mtolo.

Mwekassa reached the semifinals of the Super 8 two weeks ago by eliminating Tshepang Mohale in less than two minutes.

He will next take on Danie Venter, who outpointed Daniel Bruwer.

Mwekassa says he respects Venter but still believes he will win.

Mwekassa said he needed to step up and prove that he was up there with the best.

"I never fought in the amateur ranks but I've put a lot of effort into my boxing career. I went straight into the professionals," said the political refugee who made his professional debut in Secunda on May 12 2006.

Venter is a former SA heavyweight champion whose career took a dip few years ago after giving up against Gyorgy Hidvegi for the WBF title. Venter came back to win two fights before losing to Ilunga Makabu and Thabiso Mchunu.

He then stunned the boxing fraternity last year by stopping Flo Simba in one round and went on to knock out Alex Mbaya.