Last September Kaizer Mabuza left his homeland South Africa and headed to the Ukraine to fight then unbeaten Serhiy Fedchenko. He proved his mettle and won a majority decision, that propelled him in a fight back in February, once again he was on the road this time he made his American debut where he met former WBO 140 champion Kendall Holt. Holt was widely expected to win and win well. It didn’t come to bare as Mabuza now 23-6-3(14) posted his most impressive result so far forcing Holt to retire at the end of the sixth round. Since then Mabuza 30, has remained on the shelf largely due to politics. His next fight though without a venue or date will almost certainly be against Zab Judah for the vacant IBF Light Welterweight title. Here’s what Mabuza had to say.
Hello Kaizer, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – It took for you to come to America to really open people’s eyes of how good you are when you beat Kendall Holt in February. What are your thoughts on that fight looking back?
Kaizer Mabuza – It is amazing how life can go different ways and change your fortunes. Somehow, I been underestimated even in my own country, where I was just one of the national champions. Prior of Holt fight, I took very short notice as replacement fight in Ukraine against unbeaten IBF I/C Champion Sergey Fedchenko. It was so short notice, that we just managed to arrive in Ukraine hour prior of the weigh in. Mr. Branco (my promoter) told me I have nothing to lose, but only gain. Not that in the case of winning I will only get a belt, but IBF Rating as well, which will secure me better fights and better money. Mr. Branco was very much right. After I have beaten Fedchenko I got offered fight against Holt. Holt was former WBO world Champion, and nobody give me a chance, even home in South Africa. Reporters were very negative, making comments that my promoter doesn’t care what will happen to me. Well, I just showed to all of them how wrong they were by stopping Holt.
Anson Wainwright – How come you haven’t been in action since? Do you have anything in the works?
Kaizer Mabuza – I couldn’t fight as IBF have appointed several guy’s from the rating to fight me for mandatory position – but all of them turned fight down, including Matthysse and Kotelnik. Once you are appointed for the mandatory eliminator, you can not take other fights, as you will lose your status.
Anson Wainwright – You will fight Zab Judah/Lucas Matthysse for the Vacant IBF title next year what did you think of Judah/Matthysse in that fight?
Kaizer Mabuza – I honestly thought Matthysse would win! I was surprised when I saw internet results and comments on the fight.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train out of?
Kaizer Mabuza – My manager / trainer is Manny Fernandez and promoter Branco Milenkovic. I know that Branco who already have 4 IBF World Champions is looking for “number 5”, and I will not let him down! The gym name is “BRD Boxing Academy”.
Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested in Boxing?
Kaizer Mabuza – Soccer and boxing are two most popular sports among the youth in my country – I opted for boxing.
Anson Wainwright – When your not training or fighting what do you like to do? What are your hobbies/Interests?
Kaizer Mabuza – Just relaxing with music and movies.
Anson Wainwright – Although it’s a different sport back in the summer the Soccer World Cup took place in your country. What impact did that have on you and your country?
Kaizer Mabuza – It has changed the perception of South Africa worldwide! It showed to the world, we can compete with the biggest countries on the world.
Anson Wainwright – Has the World Cup left a legacy in South Africa?
Kaizer Mabuza – With out doubt. Many people see us now differently and much more in the positive light.
Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the current Light Welterweight division? WBC Alexander, WBA Khan & WBO Bradley?
Kaizer Mabuza – Bradley had a problem with Holt, it wasn’t easy. I would rate Alexander as # 1 among the three.
Anson Wainwright – Who do you think will win the up coming fights between Amir Khan & Marcos Maidana? How about Tim Bradley & Devon Alexander?
Kaizer Mabuza – Maidana can cause upset, if Khan doesn’t change something, and I THINK Alexander will be “too much” for Bradley. But again, I was wrong about Judah vs. Matthysse…This is what make boxing interesting..It is very unpredictable.
Anson Wainwright – Who has been your toughest opponent and why?
Kaizer Mabuza – It was Isaac Hlatshwayo, the former IBF World Champion. He was in his prime and I took the fight too early. Today will be different story!
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Zab Judah after there win before you fight?
Kaizer Mabuza – Whoever wins, they know who the man in waiting is, for Vacant IBF World Championship. I’m sure, after what I have done to Holt, they will not underestimate me!!
Thanks for your time Kaizer
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
Midweek Musings – Yesterday all three Kameda brothers were victorious in Japan; Koki won the vacant WBA 118 title outpointing former WBA 115 champion Alexander Munoz; Daiki barely squeezed past unheralded Silvio Olteanu retaining his WBA 112 crown & Tomaki stopped Pichitchai Twins Gym in three in Super Bantamweight action…Last Thursday also in Japan Mexican Hugo Cazares made the third defence of his WBA 115 crown. It was his third trip to Japan where he seems to be making a good living…Thought it was several days ago I’m still struggling to get remotely buzzed about Pacquiao-Mosley in May, several fights I am looking forward to in the opening few months of 2011 are Bradley-Alexander & Montiel-Donaire…Stay tuned for interviews with both halfs of “The Super Fight” Devon Alexander & Tim Bradley in the coming weeks.
If there are any fighters you would like to hear from you can contact me on elraincoat@live.co.uk
