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Johannesburg - Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile’s camp say they will not rest until their charge makes history by winning his fourth title – the International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight belt - which is currently held by Briton Lee Selby.
The 20-year-old boxer, who comes from Duncan Village in East London, boasts the World Boxing Council youth, IBF continental and South African featherweight championship titles. He beat Sydney Maluleke by a unanimous points decision in defence of his national crown at the Orient Theatre in East London last Sunday and, in the process, also snatched the then vacant IBF continental championship.
Unbeaten in seven bouts
This is the first time a boxer who is also a Grade 10 pupil has achieved such a feat in the boxing ring.
Fuzile’s trainer, Mzamo “Chief” Njekani, said the intention was to get Golden Boy into the square jungle with Selby soon.
“Fuzile is the hottest property in boxing at the moment, with three big titles to his credit. He is ready to fight for a big championship belt such as the IBF proper,” said Njekani.
“We are holding talks with a top promoter and with Selby’s people about the match. We won’t give up until Golden Boy gets into the ring with Selby”.
Njekani said winning the IBF belt would auger well for Golden Boy, who is unbeaten in seven bouts. He added that it would also bring Fuzile into the same class as his homeboys – Simpiwe “V12” Vetyeka and Mbulelo Botile – who conquered the division with aplomb during their era.
Vetyeka previously held the IBO bantamweight and World Boxing Association featherweight crowns. Botile proved his mettle by annexing the IBF and IBO featherweight titles during his run as champion.
Make history
The two were the best in the weight class with their enterprising orthodox styles and clever ring movements that would make fans roar with excitement.
Fuzile believes he can match the success of his predecessors in a different way – by winning a world title with fewer than 10 fights under his belt.
“I’m ready to dethrone Selby and make history in a big way. This would be the biggest achievement of my career,” said Fuzile.
Selby has had one loss in 24 professional fights.
