Mthalane vows to keep title in Durandt’s honour

MORUTI “Babyface” Mthalane has promised his supporters to emerge victorious in the fight to defend his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight title with challenger Genesis Libranza of Philippines at Wembley Indoor Centre tonight. The other big bout on the TK Kometsi Boxing Promotions bill will be between Doctor Ntsele and Sanele Ngembinyane, who are fighting for the South African Junior Bantamweight championship.

Collin Nathan‘s charge Mthalane, who has a record of 34- 5-2, said yesterday he was not bothered as to how he wins the fight.

“I am prepared to go the 12 rounds with him. But I am not ruling out a knockout before we go to the final round. That though, will be a bonus for me,” said Mthalane.

His last fight was when he stopped Renz Rosia of Philippines to retain his IBO title in Durban in 2015.

He said he will be fighting for the late Nick Durandt who died last week following a motorbike accident in the Free State.

“He gave me the name Babyface when I came to his gym because he was saying my face looks like that of a baby. I arrived at his gym a young man to learn boxing and he warmly welcomed me and made me a champion. That’s why this fight will be for him.

“I dedicate it to him. We will meet in heaven some day. God knows our time,” said Mthalane.

He stressed the importance of defending his belt, saying his challenger, who is unbeaten in his 11 fights to date, is an open book. “It is my belt. I need to protect it. I want to protect it for many years to come. I know what to expect from him. He is beatable from what I have seen. I do not have a problem facing him after a long lay-off ,” said Mthalane.