Intrepid four-fight novice Ricky "Suga" Tshabalala wants to be recognised as an elite fighter and he believes that winning the South African middleweight title will enable him to achieve just that.

The title is held by battle-marked veteran Walter "Black Mamba" Dlamini, 39, who has become something else since teaming up with trainer
Lionel Hunter.

Two weekends ago Dlamini walked over Fernando Rodrigues over two rounds in what was initially supposed to have been Dlamini's mandatory defence.

Luckily for Tshabalala, he qualifies to face Dlamini, and the beauty is that the two boxers have been on each other's necks since last year.

"We have been talking on social media about our fight. There is no secret that we want to fight each other so bad. He calls me a baby in boxing and I refer to him as an old man who must make way for kids before he gets hurt," said Tshabalala yesterday.

"As much as he is the champ, I do believe I am the best middleweight in the country and I want to prove that. SA fans must know what I am about really, and the fight against Walter will allow me to do that. Let's make it happen. I am ready - any time."

This match-up could relive the memory of the WBF Intercontinental junior middleweight clash - a nail-biting affair - which saw eight-fight rookie Emmany "The General" Kalombo demolish adept Nkululeko "Bull Dog" Mhlongo over five rounds in March last year.

Tshabalala's trainer Damien Durandt said: "This will be an epic battle between a young and fearless fighter against a veteran. Ricky is ready for the SA title and I believe that one boxer who can bring the best of Walter is Ricky.

"If Ricky does not beat Walter how then can I take the fighter further when he can't beat a 39 year old? Ricky has got a lot to prove."