By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Champion Prince Dlomo will be looking for two things when he clashes against Marcus Lebogo in a South African junior-welterweight title contest in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, 28 July.
Firstly, Dlomo will be looking at making a lasting impression in front of his home fans as he’s going to fight for the first time in Pietermaritzburg. Secondly, Dlomo will be hoping to defeat Lebogo to present himself with a perfect birthday gift as he will be turning 34 a day after the fight.
“It’s going to be the first time I fight in Pietermaritzburg where I was born. I’m very happy that this fight is happening and a win will be a great birthday present as I will be 34 years old on the 29th of July,” Dlomo said.
Dlomo will be making the fourth defence of the SA junior-welterweight crown he won when he outpointed former champion Xolani Mcotheli in March 2021. Already, Pietermaritzburg-born Dlomo has successfully defended his title against Siseko Makeleni, Mcotheli and Xolani Mgidi.
His fight against Lebogo was due to have taken place in Durban last December, but the J4Joy Boxing Promotions tournament was cancelled at the eleventh hour. The fight was then billed to be promoted by Xaba Promotions in February this year, but it got postponed.
“You will remember that this fight was supposed to have taken place in a J4Joy Boxing Promotions tournament in Durban in December last year. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. It was then set for February in a Xaba Promotions tournament in Durban. Once again, the fight didn’t happen,” Dlomo remarked.
Dlomo, meanwhile, confirmed that he’s no longer working with Charrit Mukondeleli as his trainer. He’s now trained by Samson Ndlovu in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
