Even though no date has been set for his challenge for the South African junior-flyweight title, Mpumelelo Tshabalala is said to be ready to face off against Siseko Teyise, the current national champion.
Boxing South Africa (BSA) approved Tshabalala’s challenge in June, but nothing has come out of that since as the former SA junior-flyweight champion is still yearning for a ring return.
“The management of Mpumelelo Tshabalala wishes to place on record that Mpumelelo remains ready and willing to face Siseko Teyisi for the South African title. We have consistently maintained our willingness to participate in the fight and have sought to resolve the matter through the appropriate channels,” Tshabalala’s manager, Vusi Malinga, said in a statement.
The former South African bantamweight champion has even suggested that BSA should declare Teyisi’s title vacant if the fight against Tshabalala fails to take place.
“In light of the time that has passed and the current unresolved status of the title, we respectfully call upon Boxing South Africa (BSA) to review the matter in terms of its applicable regulations and previous directives and to determine whether the circumstances now warrant the title being declared vacant,” Malinga remarked.
“We are not making this request to avoid a contest. On the contrary, Mpumelelo wants the fight. Our position is that the applicable rules and procedures should be followed and that Mpumelelo’s status and rights as the recognised challenger should be properly considered.
“We respect Siseko Teyisi and his team and remain prepared to engage through the proper channels. Ultimately, we believe the matter should be resolved fairly and, where appropriate, inside the ring. Mpumelelo Tshabalala is ready. We now respectfully call on BSA to act on the matter and provide clarity on the status of the title.”
Teyisi has not defended the SA title since he defeated Athenkosi Thongwa via a 12th round knockout at the Orient Theatre, KuGompo City, in December last year.
On the other hand, Tshabalala is yet to taste action since his second round stoppage loss to Mexican boxer, Sergio Alfonso Mendoza Cordova, during an International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight elimination bout in Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico, in November last year.
And because of being inactive, the Katlehong-based Tshabalala, a former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-flyweight champion, has even dropped out of the world ratings. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
