Undefeated heavyweight prospect Flo Simba will fight former IBF champion Francois Botha near Johannesburg on June 4.
The promoters, Golden Gloves, regard it as the biggest fight in South Africa since Hasim Rahman knocked out Lennox Lewis in Brakpan ten years ago.
The tournament will be held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park.
Botha, who has fought Lewis, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield and held the IBF heavyweight title during his long career, is expected to give 21-year-old Simba his toughest fight yet.
“People have been asking for Flo to step up,” Simba’s manager, Brian Mitchell, said after Golden Gloves announced the bill on Tuesday.
“This is a bit bigger than I would have liked, but he can look after himself. I expect him to make a real statement against the White Buffalo, who has been in with the best.”
Simba said he was ready to take the next step in his career. “I know it’s time for me to step up to another level. Fransie is an experienced fighter but I’ve got the trainer and the team behind me to win this fight.
“It’s up to me to take the next step.”
Botha, who has campaigned abroad for most of his career, admitted he had everything to lose but he sent a warning to the youngster that he was still fit and in fighting shape.
“Flo has everything to gain,” Botha said. “If I beat him everyone is going to say he lost to a better fighter.
“His nickname is Demolition, and there is going to be a demolition in the ring. But it’s not going to come from him; it’s going to come from me.”
OOSTHUIZEN v GARE
On the same bill, Thomas Oosthuizen will defend his IBO super-middleweight title for the first time when he goes up against another veteran, 35-year-old William Gare.
“”I respect Gare because he’s been in the game for a while, but on the fourth of June I will have no respect for him,” Oosthuizen said on Tuesday.
“He wants something I have and I will do everything I can to prevent that.”
Gare replied: “I don’t respect him at all. He‘s made a big mistake choosing me. I’ve never seen Tommy fight someone I can call a serious opponent. He’s in for a serious fight. I’m not playing.”
In other bouts on the bill, Chris van Heerden will face Bongani Mvelase in an IBO welterweight eliminator and SA light-heavyweight champion Johnny Muller will defend his title against Mohale Sepeng.
