Mdluli in WBA challenge for Ramabolu’s title

EVEN less-recognised boxing titles will be appreciated in KwaZulu-Natal, says promoter Thulani Magudulela, whose charge George Mdluli will challenge WBA Pan African junior middleweight champion Frans Ramabolu in Bloemfontein tonight.

The province finds itself in this desperate position as it struggles to produce champions.

The 12-rounder between Mdluli, from Durban, and Johannesburg-based Ramabolu from the Free State is a rematch and will be organised by Dream Team Promotions of promoter Lebo Mahoko at Pacofs Theatre Hall in May.

The title on the line is so trivial, the boxing championship committee readily sanctioned Ramabolu even though he had only three bouts under his belt when the two boxers met for the first time in May.

Magudulela says Mdluli’s victory will be celebrated as when Siboniso Gonya won the organisation’s bantamweight title in May.

“I did all I could, financially and otherwise, to make it possible for George to win. Even our MEC for sports, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, gave us her blessing. That is how much we want a title here,” he said.

Mdluli made himself eligible to challenge Ramabolu by winning his province’s belt in August.

That was his eighth win from 10 bouts. The champions, who are based in KwaZulu-Natal, are Christopher Buthelezi (SA middleweight) and Gonya.

IBO flyweight holder Moruti Mthalane is also originally from KwaZulu-Natal, but he is based in Gauteng under Nick Durandt’s guidance.

KwaZulu-Natal has produced a host of great champions, including SA’s first WBC titlist — super middleweight Thulani “Sugarboy” Malinga, Elijah Makhathini, Maxwell Malinga, Robbie Williams and Gregory Clark. But the current state of affairs is slowly destroying that legacy.

The main undercard of Mahoko’s tournament pits Gideon Buthelezi against Doctor Ntsele for the vacant WBF Intercontinental junior bantamweight strap.

The female bantamweight belt will be contested by Matshidiso Mokebisi and Winnie Mphahlele.