Vacant belt at stake for Cassius

Bongani Magasela

THE vacant WBO International lightweight belt will now be at stake when Cassius Baloyi and Paulos Moses collide in Windhoek, Namibia, on Saturday night, Baloyi’s trainer Keith Rass said yesterday.

Initially the two fighters, who model themselves after American legend Thomas "Hitman” Hearns, were to meet in a non- title 10-rounder to decide the real "Hitman”.

"It’s good news for us. I think Cassius would love to add the WBO International belt to his collection,” said Rass about the 37-year-old veteran from Giyani who has seven belts in five weight divisions.

Thobela, the first South African boxer to win the WBO belt in 1990, confirmed the new developments yesterday.

"The deal was actually signed and sealed on Monday after agreeing on terms with the WBO representative in Africa Andrew Smale, the two boxers and their trainers,” said Thobela who won the WBO from Mauricio Acevez in the US on September 22 1990.

"The winner will also get a top 10 rating in the WBO and qualify for a world title challenge.”

Meanwhile, Baloyi’s stablemate, Isaac "Angel” Hla- tshwayo, former IBO lightweight, IBF and IBO welterweight holder, will face Namibian Bethuel "Tyson” Ushona for the vacant WBO Africa welterweight title in the undercard to the Baloyi-Moses clash.