Moruti ‘Babyface’ Mthalane is yet to return to training since losing his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title to Briton Sunny Edwards in April.
Mthalane, who turns 39 next month, has revealed that his absence from the gym should never be interpreted as retirement from professional boxing.
“I have not trained since I came back from London. I’ve been busy with other stuff,” the former IBF and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight titlist said.
“I have been in and out of Johannesburg. I travel to my KwaZulu-Natal home every month. I have not retired from boxing.”
Mthalane is rated number three by the World Boxing Council (WBC) with the champion being Julio Cesar Martinez from Mexico and he’s sixth in the IBF.
Meanwhile, Lindelani-born Mthalane seems to have given up any hopes of fighting again this year.
“I might not fight again this year. Maybe I will fight again next year. I want to get an elimination fight. I’m not interested in eight or 10 rounds fights. I would rather retire than take an eight or 10 rounds bouts.”
