Ndlovu's Trainer Predicts a Knockout Win Over Mathebula

Takalani Ndlovu's trainer does not believe Jeffrey Mathebula will go the distance in Brakpan on Saturday night.

Mathebula challenges Ndlovu for the IBF junior featherweight title at Carnival City and Gert Strydom, who trains the champion, is predicting a late stoppage.

"It doesn't mean we will go out and look for a knockout, but I know Takalani has the edge in skill, power and speed. He is a class act," Strydom said on Tuesday.

Mathebula, who has a record of 14 knockouts, two draws, three losses and 25 wins, again remains confident of taking revenge.

The Limpopo-born fighter feels he deserved to win their first fight 18 months ago, and has labelled himself the "better and prettier" fighter.

But Strydom says “'Mongoose” Mathebula has no chance in the rematch. "He has a big mouth but let's face it: he is not at the level of challenging for a world title. Let him go back to being just a good South African fighter, challenging for South African bouts.

"Takalani is even more determined to do well this time,” Strydom said.

Ndlovu, 31, who will make the second defence of his title, is not getting involved in verbal skirmishes.

"I have said enough about him; he can talk as much as he wants to," Ndlovu said. "I'm just concentrating on defending my title."

His professional record stands at 33 wins, with 18 knockouts and six losses.

In his first defence, in October last year, he won on a split decision against Mexican challenger Giovanni Caro. His preparations for the bout against Mathebula began in December.

Mathebula, trained by Nick Durandt, said he had added more aggressiveness to his fight plan.

Promoter Branco Milenkovic has added four other fights to the African Glory II bill, including the SA lightweight title fight between Thompson Mokwana and Patrick Malinga.