Moruti Mthalane Title Defense Versus Jayson Mama Is Now Off
IBF World Flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane’s (39-2, 26 KOs) December 20 title defense against challenger Jayson Mama (15-0, 8 KOs) is now off. The now-cancelled fight was going to headline a boxing event at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa.
Boxing South Africa, the nation’s professional boxing regulatory body, would announce the unfortunate news via their Facebook page on December 16. According to them, the cancellation due to irreconcilable differences between them and the organizers staging the event.
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
The big loser in the aftermath of this news is Mthalane. For the 38-year-old who now resides in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, this was to be his big homecoming. Having not fought on home soil since 2017, the title defense against Mama was highly anticipated by the country at large.
Mthalane is one of the sport’s true hidden gems. A two-time IBF World champion at 112-pounds, he has not lost since 2008. His fighting style is as adaptable as any current fighter in the sport. The champ has aged like fine wine over the years
He proved to be a man of true principle in 2013 by vacating the IBF title over feeling disrespected at the negotiating title. Although, he is finally starting to achieve and reach unprecedented accolades and financial heights.
BOXING AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS ABROAD
But when it comes to professional boxing on South African soil, it has been hard over the years to stage a world title fight. The truth is, the country has fallen on hard times economically. The needed sponsorship to stage a world title bout has dried up.
As a result, Mthalane had to take his show on the road over the years and defend the world belt abroad. It was the hope for all parties involved that this card would be a successful one for his sake.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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