By Mark Vester
It was reported on SuperSportZone that former WBA featherweight champion Derrick Gainer is eager to face IBF junior lightweight Mzonke Fana, even if he has to go to Fana's backyard of South Africa to get the shot. And he is far from the only fighter targeting Fana.
"Branco Milenkovic (Fana's promoter) must look no further if he wants an opponent for Fana," Gainer said on Tuesday.
Milenkovic said that after Fana beat Malcolm Klassen for his IBF title in Cape Town, Sith Africa, his fighter has received numerous fight offers. He wants Fana to make a voluntary defense against a fighter rated in the top 15 by the IBF, but may have him face a unranked contender if allowed by the IBF. Fana has to make a voluntary defense within seven months. Zolani Marali, IBO junior lightweight champion Cassius Baloyi and WBA junior lightweight champion Edwin Valero are some of the fighters ready to fight Fana.
Milenkovic added that Marali and Gainer would not be among the opponents to be considered for Fana's next fight, possibly in July. Baloyi and Valero are in the running with the announcement to come in two weeks.
“Marali is not rated by the IBF, nor is Gainer, who has not been active since surrendering the WBA title to Juan Manuel Medina," Milenkovic said.
