Verbal sparring adds spice ahead of Studdard versus Ntsele bout
GAUTENG boxing prospect Joshua “TKO” Studdard and Free State trainer Hebert Rampolokeng exchanged heavy verbal barbs, which set the perfect tone for a humdinger of a bout between Studdard and Doctor Ntsele.
Studdard, 25, will challenge Ntsele, 27, for his WBF Intercontinental bantamweight belt at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on November 25.
“I am coming to forcefully wrest the title away from him. His trainer [Rampolokeng] needs to teach him to fall without getting hurt,” warned Studdard, who is trained by Warren Hulley.
“Whether he butt-falls or break-dances, it does not matter. It must just look stylish. Doctor will be known as Patient Ntsele after the fight. I must bring my A game in my first 12-rounder,” boasted the fighter from Sophiatown in Johannesburg.
“We have an axe to grind with Joshua. He was presented an undeserved gift against my boxer Sihle Jelwana,” countered the little-known Rampolokeng about his charge from Thabong in Free State.
The bout between Studdard, who has seven wins against one loss, and Ntsele, who boasts 20 wins in 29 bouts, will be staged by TK Promotions.
“The upcoming fight will not go beyond five rounds. We intend to punish Joshua badly before he gives up on his own accord,” warned Rampolokeng, who represented SA in the World Military Games as an amateur boxer years ago.
Interestingly, Ntsele beat Studdard’s stablemate Tendani Munyai for the WBF title in June.
Promoter Tshele Kometsi said: “Joshua pleaded with me for a title fight so that he earns a decent purse money.
“While I was still scratching my head, he quickly challenged Doctor over the phone and the champion’s trainer did not think twice about accepting the challenge. I hope the boxing fraternity will come in bigger numbers to witness this bout.”