Dante stands in Siyo's way

Siyabonga Siyo has no choice but to win the WBA International mini-flyweight on July 12 for promoter Andile Sidinile to stage an all-East London WBA championship between him (Siyo) and Simphiwe Khonco.

Siyo meets Linto Dante on the day, and if he wins this fight he will get top rating in the WBA. Sidinile intends to match Siyo and Khonco for the WBA mini-flyweight title, which is currently held by Hekkie Budler, who defends the title against Khonco at Emperor's Palace on September 19.

That bout - which has all the attributes to be a top contender for fight of the year - will be staged by Golden Gloves at Emperors Palace.

Sidinile has pitted Siyo against Dante for the vacant WBA International title, which will be organised by Sijuta Boxing Promotions at East London's Orient Theatre.

The promoter said victory for Siyo was a sure thing. "That will make it possible for me to do the WBA fight between Siyo and Khonco. I am planning this fight because I know for sure that Khonco will defeat Budler," said Sidinile yesterday.

"That is because we do not want anything that may shift his focus away from Budler."

Sidinile also announced that No 2 contender for that vacant title, Siphamandla Baleni, will face No 4 contender Lonwabo Roboshi as part of the July 12 bill. In making sure that he gains full control of the mini-flyweight division, Sidinile has matched Mbulelo Nxazonke and Nhlanhla Ngamntwini in a non-title fight.