Bonginkosi ‘Malume Fury’ Nhlapo regards fighting in the “Rising Titans” series as a privilege as he’s preparing to clash against Michael Head at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park in less than two months’ time.
Nhlapo and Head fight in a very important fight on Saturday, 1 March, with the winner of this bout guaranteed a shot in the vacant South African light-heavyweight title.
“I’m very happy with this opportunity and it’s great for me. Doors are finally opening for me now,” Nhlapo, who will celebrate his 26th birthday in June, remarked.
This is the second time that Nhlapo, who is based in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, and Head fight against each other with the first encounter in November 2023 having ended in a draw.
“I fought with Head before and we drew. I made a lot of mistakes in that fight. But I’m focused now and Head won’t know what hit him,” Nhlapo, who revealed that lack of sparring partners continues to be his main challenge, said.
Three wins with one of those victories coming from a knockout, a loss and a draw against Head, Nhlapo, who is rated second in the SA light-heavyweight division, has made the Emperor’s Palace his home as it’s going to be the fourth time he fights at the Kempton Park venue. On the other hand, Head has won two fights with a single stoppage, a defeat and a draw. – Monwabisi Jimlongo