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Dlamini on brink of history as world title beckons

Free State boxer to fight in Liverpool

Lerato Dlamini and Sydney Maluleke exchange blows during their closely contested title fight which Dlamini won.
Lerato Dlamini and Sydney Maluleke exchange blows during their closely contested title fight which Dlamini won.
Image: Nick Lourens

Free State could have its first “world” boxing champion on October 15.

That province’s shining star – Lerato "Lights Out" Dlamini will oppose Britain's James “Jazza” Dickens for the vacant IBO featherweight title.

Their 12-rounder for the title once held by super talented Simpiwe “V12” Vetyeka from Mdantsane near East London will take place at Eventim Olympia in Liverpool.

Dlamini boast a points victory against the former WBA Super champion and it happened in 2017 when they met at Emperors palace in Kempton Park over 10 rounds.

“Wow!" reacted Dlamini when this writer informed him about the significance of his victory next week. “I was not even aware of that history until you mentioned it; what more do I want as a motivation; the first and the new or the new and the first world champion from the Free State province.”

Dlamini has not lost a fight in six years. His only defeat was in 2015 in his debut against Michael Mokoena.

The hard hitter was in action on Friday evening at Pacofs Theatre in Bloemfontein where he knocked out hard, tough Filipino Jelbirt Gomera in the fourth round of their contest scheduled for 10 rounds.

The hard-hitting former IBF Youth and WBC International, and the same organisation’s Silver and IBF Continental champion, improved his knockout record to 10 in 18 wins. 

Dlamini said: "It is not going to be an easy fight especially that I am going into his backyard. But I will be going there to win – period. I am in my prime. Dickens has been in too many wars; he’s got experience and he is tough but still I am going there for victory.”

The Englishman recognised Dlamini’s ability as a fighter. He told Probellum – described as the global boxing and media company – that: "My route back towards the top of the featherweight division is laced with dangerous fighters, none more so than Dlamini. There is no room for error, I must produce the best performance of my career."

He won the IBF European title in 2019 and WBO European title last year before losing to Kid Galahad for the vacant IBF featherweight  title on August 7 last year.

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