Berman plans 'superbout' for boxing fans

Published May 3, 2001

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Golden Gloves Promotions are on the brink of signing a superbout between WBU featherweight champion Cassius Baloyi and Frankie Toledo, the IBF holder of the same version.

Rodney Berman's organisation are also hoping to tie up a grudge return match between former two-time world champion, Masibulele "Hawk" Makepula, and IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco; and Zolani Petelo's mandatory challenge for Ricardo Lopez's IBF junior flyweight title.

Adding to the potential exciting times for South African boxing, the WBU have mandated GGP to stage a vacant junior welterweight bout between Jan Bergman and Britain's Shea Neary.

While Africa's biggest promoter does not expect serious problems getting Toledo's camp to sign for a defence against Baloyi who beat Toledo for the WBU junior feather belt in November 1999, he could have problems getting Lopez to fight Makepula.

The Mexican, controlled by Don King, has already asked for a R1,5-million purse. Berman finds it too steep for flyweights.

"The mandatory bout (against Makepula who is fourth in the latest rankings) is due to be staged on September 2. It may go for purse bids and I have no doubt that I will win it," said Berman.

Rather than have matters go that far, Berman is hoping to reach an agreement with King. That achieved, he is hoping to convince the American promoter to agree to staging a double header featuring both the fly and junior fly bouts in South Africa.

"Lopez's mandatory bout against Makepula is set for August 2. I'll be opening negotiations with Don King and, with a bit of luck, I would like to see a double header in South Africa. That is my speculation," said Berman.

Turning to Baloyi, Berman said there are big plans in store for the fighter he once described as "a man who can win more than three titles in his career".

While Berman does not say it, he is clearly concerned that Toledo upset predictions by outpointing East London's Mbulelo Botile over 12 rounds to become the IBF title holder.

That bout, Botile's first defence since winning the belt by almost fatally knocking out Britain's Paul Ingle in the 12th and last round to become the new champion, was not without controversy.

Some ringsiders felt although Botile was not at his best, he chased Toledo around the ring and did enough to warrant a narrow points win or, at the least, a draw which would have seen him retain the title.

But, as they say, there are no certainties in boxing.

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