Abdul-Aziz Kunert believes that he will do what Zolisa Batyi’s last two opponents – Lucky Hobyane and Yamkela Phaliso – failed to do when he meets the Nxarhuni-born South African featherweight champion on Saturday next week.
Kunert will be getting a second chance to dethrone Batyi when they clash at the Orient Theatre in East London in what’s going to be a rematch of their fight, which took place in Bellville, Cape Town, in August last year.
“Preparations have been going well. I’m looking forward to the 23rd of November to become a South African champion. I believe that this is my time. I believe Batyi’s time is over,” Kunert said.
Kunert, who’s making a third attempt at winning the SA featherweight title, has made it clear that Batyi must forget about ending the fight early. Kunert lost to Asanda Gingqi in September 2021 and drew with Batyi while trying to capture the title.
“He failed to knock me out the first time we met and he’s not gonna do it even this time. I’ll be too much for him,” Kunert remarked.
On facing the hostile Orient Theatre crowd, Kunert said: “I believe the crowd is gonna be a big motivation to me. After I beat Batyi I will win a lot of people’s hearts.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo