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Johannesburg - Lodumo Lamati is hoping to relinquish his South African super bantamweight title and challenge Yukinori Oguni for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title before the end of the year.
The East London-born fighter won the national crown by beating Bongani Mahlangu on points at the Orient Theatre in East London in April. He has not defended the title.
Lamati put up a splendid showing by beating Colombian Luis Melendez on points to win the then vacant IBF intercontinental title at International Convention Centre in East London.
“I’m aware that I’ve held the national title briefly. I believe it will be important to give it up and focus on fighting for the IBF crown,” said Lamati.
The fighter, trained by former International Boxing Organisation junior flyweight kingpin Phumzile Matyhila, has compiled a ring record of 12 wins and one draw from 13 professional bouts.
“I’ve seen some of Oguni’s fights and he looks sharp. I believe I can dethrone him at any time. I am hoping that my promoter clinches that fight.”
Lamati, who trains at Rocky’s Boxing Gym in Edenvale, east of Johannesburg, said he would hopefully defend his IBF intercontinental crown next month.
“I’ve heard that I may fight in the US, but nothing has been finalised yet.”
