| |
|
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:
Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
