As negotiations between Lindokuhle Khuzwayo’s handlers and Kay B Promotions boss Mzi Booi have collapsed, Bheki Maitse has emerged as a possible opponent for current South African featherweight champion Zolisa Batyi.
It was hoped that a deal, which could have resulted in Batyi defending his title against Khuzwayo in April, would be clinched, however, it was never to be as the Maphumulo-born boxer’s handlers rejected two offers from Booi. Now Maitse, who is the reigning African Boxing Union (SADC) featherweight champion, is being courted.
“Yes, we have been contacted regarding the fight. I still have to speak to Bheki about it and see what he thinks,” Maitse’s manager Brad Norman said from Germany.
Trained by Sihle Mathenjwa, Maitse, the son of ageing former SA junior-featherweight titlist Bongani ‘Wonderboy’ Mahlangu, is rated sixth in the current featherweight ratings. With six wins, three stoppages and a loss, Maitse outpointed Tomas Shifiona from Namibia in his last fight held at the Alexandra Stadium, Johannesburg, in October. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
