Botile gets fourth world title chance

By Mesuli Zifo

EAST LONDON -- After the pulsating battle between Border's Vuyani Bungu and Lehlo Ledwaba at Brakpan at the weekend, another slugfest is simmering when Bungu's stablemate Mbulelo Botile challenges Cassius Baloyi for his IBO junior-lightweight crown at the same venue in October.

Botile's manager Mzi Mnguni confirmed yesterday that the titanic clash was signed and sealed by Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman this week.

Forced by overcrowding of boxers in his kraal, Berman has opted to pit his fighters against each, in a way complying with Daily Dispatch's suggestion last year.

Already Baloyi has clashed with Phillip Ndou, Hawk Makepula has battled against Baby Jake Matlala, and is also scheduled to collide with Mzukisi Sikali on September 14 in Brakpan in a fight initially pencilled in for this region.

Baloyi's clash against Botile comes at a time when local boxing fans were clamouring for a showdown between the Duncan Village slugger and Ndou.

However Mnguni said Ndou's people were steering their charge towards the international arena.

Botile, who last fought in April when losing his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight crown in lacklustre performance against Frankie Toledo, is said to be itching for the showdown.

"He is training like a madman and is really motivated for this clash, as he knows that it is an opportunity to redeem himself,'' Mnguni said.

One of the most gifted yet wayward boxers in the country, Botile will be remembered for putting English fighter Paul Ingle in a coma for several days last year -- for the IBF title in a well documented near-tragic fight.

Although Ingle later regained consciousness, he was never able to box again.

Coincidentally, in the same tragic fight Botile also claimed the IBO title but ditched it in the dustbin when demanded to pay a sanctioning fee.

Asked about Botile's unusual lifestyle, Mnguni admitted it was up to the fighter to grab the opportunity he had been granted.

"I am still convinced that Botile is the best featherweight or junior-lightweight in the country only if he puts his heart into boxing. Now he knows that one more slip-up will certainly condemned him to the scrapheap.''

Botile was initially scheduled to fight for the very same title in April before Baloyi won it after his defeat by Ndou last year.

However, the three-time world champion's wild life reared its ugly head and scuppered the whole plan.

Now buoyed by his buddy Gabula Vabaza's emphatic world title victory last week, the 'Silent Slayer' cannot wait to lace his gloves again and go for his fourth world title.