Thobela gets re-match with WBF champ

JOHANNESBURG -- Dingaan Thobela will meet WBF world middleweight champion Cornelius Carr in a return match on January 29 next year -- and the fight can be staged in South Africa if a suitable sponsor is lined up, says promoter Thinus Strydom.

Strydom has turned down any thoughts of a Thobela-Mpush Makambi match for the latter's IBO world title. "I'm interested only in the Carr re-match," he said on his return from Britain.

Thobela lost a close decision against Carr in a 12-round battle in England, with one judge calling it a draw and the other two each having it by two points for Carr.

"I thought Dingaan did enough to win, but we'll ride with the decision," said Strydom. "

"What made us most unhappy, though, was the manner in which Dingaan was called on in the dressing room to provide a urine sample before the fight.

"And then, when he entered the ring, the ringside doctor insisted on doing a heart examination on him.

"That's taboo. It doesn't happen anywhere in boxing, but it was all arranged by someone or some group to try and unsettle Dingaan.

"We lodged an official complaint on the matter, and are awaiting news of the hearing. But meanwhile the Carr camp has accepted terms for a re-match and I hope to get it on."

Strydom has confirmed the January date, but says the fight will go to Britain if no suitable sponsor can be found to hold it in this country.

The promoter is, however, confident that, with the controversy surrounding last week's fight, and the quality of action seen on television, he will secure the necessary backing to go ahead with it in South Africa. -- Sapa