Veteran boxing promoter David Faas of David Faas Productions has shot down rumours that Nozipho Bell from Walmer in Gqeberha has been stripped of her International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental female junior-lightweight title.
Faas has revealed that the IBF has given them three months to make sure that Bell defends her title failing which the the New Jersey-based organisation will strip her.
Bell has not defended title since she won it when she outpointed Matshidiso Mokebisi from Kroonstad at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, Gqebera, six days before last Christmas.
“Nozipho has not been stripped. I have a letter from the IBF, which says that she must defend the title in three months. I didn’t tell her about the letter because I didn’t want to disrupt her preparations for Sunday’s fight,” Faas said.
Bell is scheduled to defend her SA female junior-lightweight title against Mashudu Ramakwelo from Thohoyandou at the Babs Madlakane Hall in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, this coming Sunday.
Ramakwelo is making her second trip to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro this year. She lost to Ntombokuqala Tolashe at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in August.
“The fact that I don’t know my opponent does not mean that I will underestimate her. Her dream is to become a South African champion and that means I will have to up my game on Sunday,” Bell said.