Expect a lightning strike, Ramabolu warns ‘Bulldog’
LIGHTNING never strikes at the same place twice, warned combative France “Fighting Time” Ramabolu ahead of his grudge match against his conqueror, Nkululeko “Bulldog” Mhlongo.
Ramabolu, from Virginia in the Free State, was stopped in the 10th round by Mhlongo in Kimberley, in February.
New trainer Vusi Mtolo guided Ramabolu to victory for the WBF All-Africa junior middleweight title in Klerksdorp on May 27.
Ramabolu will challenge the reigning SA and WBF Intercontinental champion at Dr Molemela Indoor Stadium in Bloemfontein on October 7. “Mhlongo is taking me for granted, probably because of the outcome of our first fight, but he will regret it,” warned Ramabolu. “What happened then is history. Lightning never struck twice at the same place. I gave Mhlongo too much respect in our first fight – something that will not happen this time around.”
Mtolo said: “If France listens to the instructions and does as he is told, then a new champion will be crowned. France has everything he needs to win the fight.”
Ramabolu, a former WBA Pan African and WBF International holder, has seven wins against two losses, while Mhlongo, whose skills are being honed by Sechaba Mabuya, boasts 14 wins in 17 fights.
The upcoming fight is part of the bill organised by promoter Lebo Mahoko under Dream Team.
Paul Kamanga lost to Aslanbek Kozaev for the vacant IBO International belt in Russia on Friday. Ryno “Lion” Liebenberg and trainers Colin Nathan, Mtolo and Bernie Pailman jet off to Germany tonight. Liebenberg will face Enrico Koelling for the WBA Intercontinental light heavyweight belt on Saturday.