Current ABU SADC and WBF intercontinental junior lightweight holder Koos Sibiya is delighted to have been afforded the opportunity to become the first SA boxer to win the Global Boxing Council (GBC) belt.
The Great Last Warrior, as Sibiya is called, will oppose Ibrahim Class of Tanzania for the vacant GBC junior lightweight title at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on November 25.
Class, 27, is the current GBC lightweight holder.
He won the belt in Germany on July 1.
The boxer, who has 20 wins in 24 bouts, intends to become the first GBC titlist in two weight divisions.
His backers chose Sibiya because they believe the 36-year-old South African - who has been around since 2000 - is past his sell-by date.
"I'm like fine wine. I get better with age. I can tell you that they will regret choosing me," warned Sibiya, who is trained in Westbury, Johannesburg, by Bernie Pailman.
"I have vast experience and that is one thing you just cannot buy anywhere and I will use it to the best of my ability.
"I am excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to make history by becoming the first South African boxer to win the GBC title," added the boxer from Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga.
Sibiya is fresh from a points win over 10 rounds against Malawian champion Crispin Moliati last month.
That win was Sibiya's 21st against 10 losses and four draws.
"I had a long discussion with Koos regarding this fight," said Pailman.
"He is rated No 1 for the SA title [held by Phila Mpontshana] and that was my concern but Koos allayed my fears and said the fight in Tanzania is about history and nothing has been said about fighting Mpontshana, so why not win the GBC and then wait for offers to come for Mpontshana?"
Sibiya out to become SA's first GBC king
Image: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI
Current ABU SADC and WBF intercontinental junior lightweight holder Koos Sibiya is delighted to have been afforded the opportunity to become the first SA boxer to win the Global Boxing Council (GBC) belt.
The Great Last Warrior, as Sibiya is called, will oppose Ibrahim Class of Tanzania for the vacant GBC junior lightweight title at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on November 25.
Class, 27, is the current GBC lightweight holder.
He won the belt in Germany on July 1.
The boxer, who has 20 wins in 24 bouts, intends to become the first GBC titlist in two weight divisions.
His backers chose Sibiya because they believe the 36-year-old South African - who has been around since 2000 - is past his sell-by date.
"I'm like fine wine. I get better with age. I can tell you that they will regret choosing me," warned Sibiya, who is trained in Westbury, Johannesburg, by Bernie Pailman.
"I have vast experience and that is one thing you just cannot buy anywhere and I will use it to the best of my ability.
"I am excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to make history by becoming the first South African boxer to win the GBC title," added the boxer from Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga.
Sibiya is fresh from a points win over 10 rounds against Malawian champion Crispin Moliati last month.
That win was Sibiya's 21st against 10 losses and four draws.
"I had a long discussion with Koos regarding this fight," said Pailman.
"He is rated No 1 for the SA title [held by Phila Mpontshana] and that was my concern but Koos allayed my fears and said the fight in Tanzania is about history and nothing has been said about fighting Mpontshana, so why not win the GBC and then wait for offers to come for Mpontshana?"
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