Johannesburg - WBA Pan-African featherweight champion Tshifhiwa “Atomic Spider” Munyai will challenge unbeaten Scott Quigg for the Englishman's WBA super-bantamweight title at the Manchester Arena, in the United Kingdom, on April 19.
Munyai was pencilled in at short notice to take on the world champion after highly-rated Venezuelan Nehomar Cermeno, the number one challenger, was forced to withdraw because of visa issues which prevented him from travelling to England.
The 28-year-old South African, who is ranked ninth in the WBA super-bantamweight division, jumped at the opportunity to take on Quigg. He has enjoyed success in short-notice bouts before, notably in capturing the Commonwealth bantamweight title by defeating Martin Power of England in 2006.
The Limpopo-born pugilist says he always steps into the ring with one aim in mind Ä victory Ä and his fight against Quigg will be no exception.
Hard-hitting Munyai left South Africa last month to help Quigg's countryman, Martin Ward, with his preparations for his IBF bantamweight championship clash against Stuart Hall. That fight ended in a technical draw after the two boxers' heads clashed in the second round.
“Taking fights at short notice is not a problem,” said Munyai, a former IBO super-bantamweight champion.
“As a professional boxer, I always stay at the gym even if I don't have a date.
“I've been praying for this chance to come about. That's why I didn't think twice when the opportunity came knocking at my door,” Munyai said.
Munyai has a record of 24 fights, two losses and one draw, while Quigg is unbeaten after 29 outings, with two draws.
Sapa