Current IBO world lightweight champion Ji hoon Kim will be fighting Ameth Diaz on May 21 in Laredo, Texas, with a view to substantiating his claim to a shot at the IBF world lightweight crown later in the year! Kim, who is co-promoted by Golden Gloves Promotions and Banner Promotions in the USA, won the IBO championship strap by knocking out Zolani Petelo in South Africa during 2009, and now means to set his sights on the IBF world title. Currently ranked #8 by the IBF, Kim is a ferocious puncher and both Art Pellulo (Banner) and Rodney Berman (GGP) believe that he’ll have the beating of the hard hitting Diaz, who is presently listed #6 in the IBF world ratings.
Nevertheless, two fighters; Ali Funeka (SA) and Joan Guzman (USA) will first be fighting for the vacant IBF lightweight crown and the Berman-Pellulo plan is to have Kim by then elevated into a lofty spot on the rankings in order to challenge the winner of that fight.
“We intend to have Kim win the IBF title” said Pellulo, during his trip to South Africa on the weekend, “and both Rodney and I feel that he’ll have the beating of Diaz on May 21 in Texas. After that we’ll be pressing Kim’s claim to a crack at the title and it really doesn’t bother us whether he fights Funeka or Guzman, we’re that confident”.
At present the No 1 and No 2 berths in the IBF rankings are vacant, while Funeka and Guzman occupy the next contender spots.
Meanwhile, Berman announced that two South Africans; Flo “The Demolition Man” Simba (3-0, 3 knockouts) and Sipho “Tsunami” Taliwe (10-2, 9 knockouts) will be fighting on the Laredo undercard. “Flo has been a sensational newcomer to the national heavyweight ranks and Taliwe is the reigning SA junior lightweight champion” said Berman.
Naturally everyone expected Berman to feature his blossoming heavyweight tiger in the USA during the next few months, especially after his business associate Art Pellulo enthused over Simba’s potential, yet the inclusion of Taliwe may cause more than a few eyebrows to be raised.
Berman explained; “Taliwe’s trainer Bernie Pailman has never received his just dues and I feel that the time has come to afford him a great deal more recognition. As such we’re giving his boxer Taliwe the opportunity to garner some overdue applause by fighting on an ESPN bill that will be seen in many States in America”.
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I dont get it maybe i’m slow but, please recap?
Thats Awesome! Hopefully because is on an ESPN FNF card we will be able to see it here on ESPN! I like Kim and I would love to see him matched with Michael Katsidis – that would be an epic slugfest, a real test of whose got the balls! Funeka should starch Guzman again, he absolutely destroyed him the last time and I reckon he will knock him back into the stone-age! But Kim v Funeka – that would be something. Funeka is really on top of his game right now and has the skills and the power to keep Kim back, but Kim is something else…
Flo making his American debut so early in his career is a major coup for GG – well done there guys!
Terry – will it be on ESPN?
Kim heads the bill and Simba and Taliwe will box on the undercard! Ok?
Well lets hope its on the televised section of the card. FNF normally flights 2 or 3 fights on the cards they show. I’d love to hear Teddy Atlas’ impression of Flo since he is the head trainer of Alex Povetkin and has interests in the division…
Oh, and he kayoed Marali – not Petelo…
Sorry about that Classy, you are quite right, the “Petelo” boobo was my mistake and I’m so glad you pointed it out. “Gremlins” in my computer box (or head) I guess.
Im very glad for simba and taliwe,but i think taliwe must sharpen up first and try and win a national title convinsingly first before taking on da big dogs!
Thats so nice for Taliwe to fight outside south africa.after enjoying the fight,he must defenitely win his bout in Texas and come home with dignity.