Major step up for Mbenge
Own Correspondent
Thulani Mbenge’s world title clash has suddenly become bigger with the withdrawal of Namibian Bethuel Ushona. Now Mbenge has a bigger fish to fry in the form of Argentinean Diego Chavez for the June 23 clash at Emperors Palace.
Not only has the fight become bigger but it has thrust Mbenge into the welterweight elite league where Chavez is a major player.
“To be honest with you, Mbenge is getting the opportunity of a lifetime here against this guy,” said fight promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions.
Facing a boxer with an illustrious career such as Chavez should fire Mbenge straight into the big league in the event of a win.
Chavez is remembered for the epic battles he waged against the likes of Tim Bradley when their 2014 match ended in a draw.
Chavez’s three losses in 30 bouts were suffered at the hands of reigning, unbeaten WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman, Brendon Rios through a disqualification, and Jamal James in his last bout in December.
There is no question that the Argentinian will be a major step up in class for Mbenge.
The hard puncher from Eastern Cape has fought just 13 times but none of the boxers in his record come close to equalling the danger and experience posed by Chavez.
A win by Mbenge will not only earn him an IBO title but it will vault him into lofty ratings of other world bodies.
While doubts will be cast on whether Berman has thrown his charge to the wolves, a win by Mbenge will vindicate Berman’s call that his fighter is destined for stardom.
This will be sweetened by the IBO title Mbenge will own which should open doors for him.
Mbenge will be mentioned among other world champions in the talent rich division such as Thurman (WBA), Erroll Spence (IBF), Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter.
Besides the Mbenge boxing baptism, the card will also feature potentially thrilling bouts including the return of world title challenger Thabiso Mchunu in a 10-round cruiserweight encoun- ter against Ukrainian Ricards Bolotniks.
Mchunu is trying to get back to winning ways after losing his last fight against Constantin Bejanaru of Moldova in US in November last year.
He has been anglinging for a rematch and one stage it looked promising only for Bejanaru to opt for a different route.
Berman’s spring chickens Rowan Campbell, Dee Jay Kriel, Wayne Groth and Siyabonga Sonjica will also see action.