Dlomo says he will tame Eastern Cape challenger
Reigning South African junior welterweight champion Prince “The Demon” Dlomo has promised to tame yet another Eastern Cape opponent Siseko “Majaivana” Makeleni when they lock horns today at the Booysens Boxing Club in south Joburg.
The 33-year-old national title holder is still in high spirits after he beat highly-regarded local fighters Xolisani Ndongeni and Xolani Mcotheli in his last two outings. He is scheduled for mandatory junior welterweight title defence against Makeleni.
Dlomo, who was regarded as a darkhorse of South African boxing before his last two fights, said he had all the tools to dismantle his challenger.
Meanwhile, throwing a verbal counter-punch Makeleni said come fight night he would expose the champion’s weaknesses. And judging by the level of confidence between the two pugilists, this contest promises to produce fireworks.
“Preparations have been going well. I have the mental toughness and strength to weather anything the challenger brings to the fight,” said Dlamo.
“I’m going into the fight with one thing in mind, to defend my title. I know Makeleni wants to take this belt back to Eastern Cape but unfortunately he will only take home the purse money.
“It is important for me to continue winning to prove I’m the best in the division locally until I get the opportunity to move up to the next level. I hope that my opponent will bring his A game because I am in my best shape. I want us to give boxing people the best performance,” he said.
The Soweto-based fighter said his win against Ndongeni had opened more fighting opportunities for him and changed his perception about the fistic sport. He shocked the Mzansi boxing fraternity when he knocked out the former two-time world champion in the sixth round last October.
“The surprise knockout victory against Ndongeni changed how I see boxing. Before I was taking boxing as a hobby with the hope to get permanent employment but a left hook punch changed everything. There are more fight opportunities and now I mean business in the ring. I have seen that boxing will take me far,” said an elated Dlomo.
Meanwhile the confident challenger believes this is his time to shine and he has vowed to end Dlomo’s six months reign. “I’m bringing that title back home. I’m not a man of many words but all I can say is that I have a surprise package for the champion.”