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Johannesburg - The International Boxing Organisation (IBO) has ordered a rematch of Gideon Buthelezi's recent super-flyweight title victory that brought disbelieving tears to the eyes of vanquished Filipino Edrin Dapudong.
Reports from the Philippines have since described the judges' decision as 'robbery' and questioned the advisability of the country's boxers fighting in South Africa.
"There was a great deal of controversy over the judges' decision in awarding the fight to Buthelezi," Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman said on Wednesday, revealing that the IBO had ordered a mandatory rematch of the fight at Emperors Palace.
"Many observers believed that Dapudong had done enough to take the split points decision, and we will be happy to clear the air by staging a rematch and putting an end to the controversy once and for all."
Berman said it helped everyone to have bona fide champions and this applied as much to Buthelezi as anyone else.
"Gideon is a top-class fighter and I'm sure he will relish the opportunity to show that he is a deserving IBO champion by retaining his title in convincing fashion and without any disputes."
Golden Gloves would endeavour to stage a Buthelezi-Dapudong rematch as soon as possible, according to Berman, because that is what the boxing public wants."
He also announced that negotiations were in progress to gain further recognition and honours for WBC International super-flyweight champion Sipho Taliwe following his impressive victory over Mzonke Fana.
"The respected WBC organisation has elevated Taliwe to the fourth-ranked challenger for Gamaliel Diaz 's title, and we are confident of securing a bout against one of the fighters ranked above him, if not the champion himself," Berman said.
