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International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight champion Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane is excited that live boxing matches are once again being broadcast on national television.
The boxer is optimistic that this will help bring back his fans in large numbers.
It has been almost three years since the 32-year-old Johannesburg-based fighter’s live fights have been broadcast, so local fans have missed out on the action.
This was due to the SABC’s blanket ban on boxing, both on radio and TV channels.
The broadcast ban was recently lifted.
Babyface, the erstwhile International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight kingpin, is renowned for packing a devastating right hook.
He staged three successful defences of the IBF crown before vacating the title in January 2014 to focus on the IBO championship belt.
He subsequently won the then vacant IBO crown by beating Filipino Jether Oliva in Durban in March last year.
In October, Mthalane successfully defended his IBO diadem against Mexican Odilon Zaleta, who he beat by a unanimous points decision at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
However, the majority of Mthalane’s followers were not afforded the opportunity to watch their idol live in action, due to the boxing broadcast ban.
“My fans were driven away as a result of the SABC not televising my fights.
“With the TV ban now lifted, I am happy that my supporters, throughout the country, will be able to sit in their living rooms and watch my bouts,” said Mthalane during a training session at Nick Durandt’s boxing gym in Johannesburg this week.
His professional fight record reads 27 wins (16 by KO) and two defeats.
Mthalane said he was happy that he would again be able to enjoy the limelight, like he did before the SABC’s clampdown on the live broadcast of boxing.
His mentor, Durandt, said his charge would defend his title soon.
“We are waiting for television dates for Moruti’s next title defence.
“It’s good that his fans will have the opportunity to catch him live on TV in future,” said Durandt.
. Meanwhile, the IBO welterweight title fight between champion Ali Funeka and challenger Tsiko Mulovhedzi will take place at the East London International Convention Centre on July 24.
