By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Well known South African promoter Branco Milenkovic has clarified that Silence Mabuza (22-2, 18 KO’s) fights undefeated Colombian Yonnhy Perez (18-0, 13 KO’s) for the IBF No.1 mandatory slot and not in defense of his IBO bantamweight title.
Milenkovic informed BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that the scheduled bout “is not a joint promotion with Gary Shaw or Thompson Boxing” which was reported on boxrec.com. Milenkovic stressed “it is my own show” of Branco Productions and that Perez “agreed on terms to come to South Africa and fight Mabuza.”
At the same time the 2007 WBC “International Promoter of the Year” said the fight has been moved from April 18 to May 29 because of the national government elections in South Africa.
Mabuza had defended his IBO 118 pound title with a 5th round TKO over Damian David Marchino on May 31 last year after winning the vacant title in a clash with Filipino Eden Sonsona (14-3, 3 KO's) on February 2. The hard-hitting Mabuza had problems against the speed of the 19 year old Sonsona in the early rounds but as the fight progressed the South African champion found it easier to land his power shots more often.
Mabuza dropped Sonsona in the 5th round with a hard right to the body but the Filipino demonstrated his courage and was able to withstand Mabuza's heavy-handed punches. The champion ultimately nailed Sonsona with a huge body shot in the dying seconds of round eight and referee Jorge Alonso called a halt with ten seconds remaining in the round.
Mabuza is ranked No. 3 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBC while Perez who won the vacant North American Boxing Federation title with a ten round unanimous decision over Oscar Andrade last June 27 and then scored a 6th round TKO over David Martinez last September 5 is ranked No. 6 by the IBF, No. 3 by the WBC and No. 5 by the WBO.
The Colombian who now resides in the US is known for his explosive style and his all-around skill.