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Zolani “Last Born” Tete is not fazed by the many last-minute changes being made to secure an opponent for the bout that will take place at the Orient Theatre, East London, on September 6.
The former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion was originally billed to slug it out with Diego Pichardo over 10 rounds, but the Argentinian officially pulled out of the bout, allegedly because he got cold feet.
Mexican Junior Granados was announced as the new opponent, but he also backed out of the showdown, reportedly for the same reason.
Now Tete is expected to slug it out with Argentinian Hector Guzman.
The Mdantsane, East London-based Tete is currently in Johannesburg preparing for the bout.
The 27-year-old boxer told City Press that he was not bothered by the changes, as he was focused on winning.
“I was told earlier this week that my opponents signed on for the fight but later withdrew because they couldn’t risk getting into the ring with me. Imagine such flimsy excuses.
“I believe Guzman packs a mean punch, but I’ll be too good for him.
“I will knock him out,” said Tete.
Guzman, whose home base is Buenos Aires, has an impressive record of 14 wins and one defeat in 15 professional bouts.
Last Born will be co-promoting the match with Andile Sidinile’s Sijuta Promotions.
Sidinile said: “Guzman is quite a big puncher who will be here to give Tete a good fight.
“But Tete will come out smoking.”
He believes Tete’s strong title credentials and impressive reputation prompted Pichardo and Granados to withdrew from the match.
This will probably be Tete’s last competitive fight, as he plans to become a promoter.
Tete made this decision shortly after his contract with promoter Branco Milenkovic officially ended in July. The two had been together for six years
