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Aphiwe “Baby Face” Mboyiya will meet Russian Mikhail Alexeev for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) youth super featherweight titles in Russia on November 4.
Xaba Boxing Promotions’ Ayanda Matiti made the announcement.
News of the fight comes just a month after Mboyiya beat Jerry Castroverde on points to win the vacant IBF youth crown at a packed Orient Theatre in East London.
Mboyiya was impressive on the night, showcasing his remarkable work rate and punching power against the tough Filipino.
Now he is looking to defend his IBF youth title and add Alexeev’s WBO youth strap to his list of honours.
“This fight is important for Mboyiya in that it will determine if he is good enough to earn a crack at the senior versions of either of the IBF or WBO titles in the near future,” said Matiti.
He said he had decided to let the talented 24-year-old have a go at unifying the titles to prove his worth in the youth super featherweight class.
“Russian boxers are naturally tough and Alexeev will give Mboyiya a good match. This will hopefully be a great clash of small men,” said Matiti.
Mboyiya said he was delighted to be given the chance to fight in Russia.
“This will be my first fight outside the country and I’m determined to bring the unified title home,” he said.
The boxer from Duncan Village in East London has a professional record of 14 wins, two defeats and one draw, and will aim to add to the victory column when he faces the less-experienced Alexeev, who is unbeaten in eight fights.
“The fact that Alexeev is a novice doesn’t mean I should take him lightly. I don’t know his style, but I promise to give him a good fight as I will be fighting in his backyard,” said Mboyiya.
Alexeev won the vacant title by beating Filipino pugilist Romero Duno on points in May.
