| |
|
STABLEMATES TO CLASH IN IBF TITLE FIGHT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Jan 2009
In an unusual twist two talented stablemates Cassius Baloyi (36-3-1, 19 KO?s) and Malcolm Klassen (23-4-2, 14 KO?s) will battle each other in a highly anticipated IBF junior lightweight title fight to be staged in April in South Africa.
Several sites have expressed interest in hosting the fight but promoters Branco Milenkovic and Jacob Matlala are biding their time and looking to pick the best offer.
Matala said ?the fight has generated huge interest in South African boxing circles and rightly so because it is not often that two South African fighters clash for a legitimate world title.?
Boxing writer Mesuli Zifo notes that the fight will make history of sorts as it will be the first time even in local boxing circles that stablemates face each other while training under one trainer, Nick Durandt.
Durandt had initially refused to let Baloyi and Klassen fight hoping that the former promoter of Baloyi, Rodney Berman would arrange for his fighter go after another world title.
But when that didn?t happen, Zifo reported that Baloyi ?got so agitated he dumped Berman for Milenkovic?, the WBC International Trainer of the Year and agreed to face Klassen as the IBF called for a purse bid.
Durandt plans to remain in Baloyi?s corner for the fight while Klassen will be handled by Gert Strydom who worked Klassen?s corner when he won the title by defeating Australia ?s Gary St. Clair in 2006.
Klassen was at one time being considered by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum as among possible opponents for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Milenkovic said that the winner of the Baloyi-Klassen showdown is likely to be involved in a unification bout against WBO champion Nicky Cook of Britain or WBC champion Humberto Soto of Mexico.
Baloyi won the IBF crown with a win over Mzonke Fana last April while Klassen pulverized veteran Mexican Manuel ?Mantecas? Medina in two rounds last August.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
May 16: Kelvin Davis-Peter Dobson Welterweight Clash & Yan Santana-Cristian Cruz Featherweight Battle Added to Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II Card LIVE on DAZN
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026World Super Flyweight contender John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez waiting for Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’ final decision
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Former champ Lawrence Okolie tested positive in VADA testing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Secures Win for Team USA on Day One of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Garcia, Young, Gatus banner tough field in 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open Tournament on May 1
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot
By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Elorde Jr. is new PBF president
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ito knockouts Lerasan in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Kristian ‘KP’ Prenga developing into Albanian heavyweight boxing GOAT
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe amazed with GAB Chairman Rivera’s advocacy for chess players
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026‘CALM’ PERO READY TO FACE MILLER’S FIRE
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Hall of Famer Rafael Marquez's son Aaron wins professional debut
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Top Super Featherweights Tsendy Erdenebat & Cobia Breedy Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Registration Now Open for the Return of the Butterfly Brawl at the Iconic Santa Monica Pier – August 22, 2026
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Brackets Set for USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team at World Boxing Cup - Stage One
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Team Altagracia Primus Praedia Land Holding champ in Pacquiao chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 20262-Division World Champion Daniel Ponce De León Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Tue, 21 Apr 20262026 NBA Playoffs: First Round Game 1 Recap
By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu gains a total of 36 rating points, bringing his FIDE rating to 2321 by May after completing 2 chess tournaments in Spain
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026Irish super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde Improves to 15-0 with 10th KO
, Mon, 20 Apr 2026IBA Bare-Knuckle Director attends historic Gambian Elite National Championships
, Sun, 19 Apr 2026Rosales stops Obedencio in RFL 4
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 19 Apr 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
