IS IBF reigning kingpin Moruti “Baby Face” Mthalane heading for disaster in his voluntary defence against highly rated Filipino Johnriel “Quardo Alas” Casimero?
Not according to Mthalane’s promoter, Branco Milenkovic, whose Branco Sports Production will present this super-fight at Nasrec Arena near Soweto on March 26.
International reports suggest that the 21-year-old Filipino, a former WBO junior flyweight holder with only one defeat in 15 fights, could end Mthalane’s reign.
Couldn’t Milenkovic have chosen a slightly easier opponent?
“It is very hard to please the media,” reacted Milenkovic yesterday. “When we bring a fighter whose record is ordinary, we are accused of protecting our champions by bringing bums.
“When we bring reputable fighters like Casimero we are accused of over-matching our champions. The fact is that Mthalane is rated No 4 pound-for-pound in the world by Ring Magazine and I am planning to match him in much bigger fights. If Mthalane does not beat Casimro, then it will be obvious that I have misled myself.
“Let’s us not forget that Mthalane went six rounds with the great Nonito Donaire and the fight was stopped due to a cut in Mthalane’s eye.”
Donaire destroyed former multiple champion Fernado Montiel in two rounds last month and Milenkovic said this should give people an idea how good Mthalane is.
Regarding the allegations that he has already signed Casimero, Milenkovic said: “We have contracts with many international fighters and one of them is Casimero.
“Mthalane will make a voluntary defence and it is an ordinary practice for the promoter to keep the rights on the challenger if there is an upset. This is also to protect the champion and to make possible the clause of the rematch in the event of an upset.”
Trainer Nick Durandt, who has been baptised as “Mthakathi”, or Wizard, warned: “I will waive my magic wand. Moruti will win.”
Milenkovic’s tournament on March 26, dubbed African Glory 2, features IBF junior featherweight holder Steve Molitor of Canada in a mandatory defence against Takalani Ndlovu.
National lightweight king Patrick Malinga and rising star Ilunga Makabu will also be in action.
