Thulani Mbenge will make the first defence of his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) welterweight title when he comes up against Russian boxer Vadim Musaev away from home next month.
After he stopped Namibian opponent Emmanuel Mungandjela in the third round of a non-title bout at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria six months ago, Mbenge gets another opportunity to lace his gloves as he faces the unbeaten Musaev.
Trained by Sean Smith in Johannesburg, Mbenge’s title defence against Musaev is scheduled to be held at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, 12 December.
The former South African welterweight titlist won the IBO crown after he outpointed Briton Michael McKinson at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick, in London, United Kingdom, in October last year.
Meanwhile, Musaev, who is based in Hollywood, Florida, United States of America (USA), will go to the Mbenge clash on the back of a win over Mexican boxer Jose Miguel Borrego in Tajikistan four months ago.
The 32-year-old Russian southpaw has a very impressive record as he has won all his 13 fights with eight of his victories coming from knockouts.
