Mthalane in bid to regain his IBF flyweight title (original) (raw)

Moruti "Baby Face" Mthalane will next week definitely fight his way to contention for the IBF flyweight title in the next six months.

This is according to promoter Tshele Kometsi, who has taken interest in the stagnating career of the former IBF champion.

Mthalane has fought only three times in three years.

"He vacated his title because he was going to be paid peanuts for his fifth defence, so I want to provide [him with] the opportunity to regain it," said Kometsi yesterday.

Mthalane is currently rated No 10 by the New Jersey, US, sanctioning body.

The title is held by Donnie Nietes of the Philippines.

Kometsi announced yesterday that Mthalane will fight Filipino Ardin Diale for the IBF International belt at Mahikeng Convention Centre, North West, on October 27.

Diale, a former WBC International flyweight holder, is a 48-fight veteran who has 33 wins, 11 losses and four draws.

"Victory will improve Mthalane's IBF rating," said Kometsi, who gave Mthalane a fight in April against Genesis Libranza.

At the time, Mthalane had last seen action in 2015.

He fought under Victory Sports Promotion in Mohlakeng, West Rand, last month.

Kometsi said the master plan was to make a strong case with the IBF to consider Mthalane for the elimination bout which will bring him closer to challenging Nietes.

"I hope that Moruti wins against Diale so that it becomes easy for us to negotiate with the IBF hierarchy," said Kometsi of TK Boxing Promotions. Mthalane boasts 23 knockouts in 34 wins against two losses.

There'll be two more fights.