Flanagan vs. Mathews: Zolani Tete is Added To Undercard
Feb 2, 2016 • 5:35 AM ET
By Elliot Foster
Zolani Tete has had his first appearance under his new promoter confirmed.
The South African former world champion, who stunned Britain when he knocked out Ellesmere Port’s Paul Butler in Liverpool last March, will return to these shores next month.
Tete (22-3, 18 KOs), who won the vacant WBO African title against Jether Oliva in his last fight of 2015, will feature on the undercard of Terry Flanagan’s rescheduled WBO lightweight title showdown against North West rival Derry Mathews at the ECHO Arena in Liverpool.
‘Last Born’, 27, signed a long-term deal with Queensberry Promotions last December and is set to box over 10 rounds on the multi-title bill on on Merseyside’s docklands, exclusively live on BoxNation on March 12.
“I’m very excited to make my return to the UK next month,” Tete told the Queensberry Promotions press office.
Flanagan and Mathews had been scheduled to do battle at the same venue on February 13, but the clash was pushed back after the champion suffered severe tendonitis in his left foot.
“The English fans know I pack a powerful punch and guarantee excitement in every fight and I’ll be looking to send them home happy.
“It was amazing, fighting in front of such a lively crowd, back in March last year. English fight fans love their boxing and there’s no better crowd to perform in front of.
“I’m feeling fit and ready to take anyone that is put in front of me.
“I want to be remembered as the best boxer that Africa has ever produced. This year is going to be a big year for me so it’s important that I get off to the best possible start – another knockout win.”
His new promoter, Frank Warren, has also spoken of his delight at capturing the man from Mdanstane in the Eastern Cape and has lauded the capabilities of his latest overseas commodity.
He said: “He’s a world class fighter and very soon he’ll be challenging for world titles as it’s his dream to unify the belts. The show has got bigger and even better with Tete’s addition.”
