madjack
19-08-2002, 12:29 AM
Grave concern for Mundine opponent
By GRANTLEE KIEZA
15aug02
Daily Telegraph
ANTHONY MUNDINE has long been criticised for fighting stiffs - now comes news that his next opponent is sponsored by a funeral parlour.
Soon Botes, a capable former two-time South African champion who fights Mundine on September 2, proudly wears the logo "Rose Funerals" on his boxing trunks.
Botes, 29, is certainly a step up from Mundine's recent fare - 37-year-old Lester Ellis and 38-year-old Darren Obah -- who were resurrected from retirement to be battered in farcical mismatches.
The South African has a decent record of 23 wins in 31 fights.
Three of his losses have been against former WBC champions - Dingaan Thobela, Robin Reid and Sugar Boy Malinga - and three others against world-rated fighters, Mads Larsen of Demark, Norbert Nieroba of Germany and Jaffa Ballogou of Togo.
Expect Botes to have a go against Mundine but also for him to fall against a fighter with much more speed.
Reporting on Botes' last international fight, against Reid in England 13 months ago, South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper reported: "Soon Botes put up a brave challenge but Robin Reid finally caught up with him in the fourth round of their one-sided fight.
"A short, straight right-hand punch (Mundine's favourite) sent Botes tumbling for an eight count.
"Reid then patiently stalked him down. The South African somehow made it to his feet but the referee correctly called an end to what had been one-way traffic. Reid was in control from the start.
"His punches were quicker and more accurate, particularly as the leaden-footed Botes offered little by way of movement. By the third it had become obvious that Botes had little hope."
Botes certainly has ticker.
After the first knockdown he was back on his feet at two and he went down the second time face first before bravely staggering to his feet.
By GRANTLEE KIEZA
15aug02
Daily Telegraph
ANTHONY MUNDINE has long been criticised for fighting stiffs - now comes news that his next opponent is sponsored by a funeral parlour.
Soon Botes, a capable former two-time South African champion who fights Mundine on September 2, proudly wears the logo "Rose Funerals" on his boxing trunks.
Botes, 29, is certainly a step up from Mundine's recent fare - 37-year-old Lester Ellis and 38-year-old Darren Obah -- who were resurrected from retirement to be battered in farcical mismatches.
The South African has a decent record of 23 wins in 31 fights.
Three of his losses have been against former WBC champions - Dingaan Thobela, Robin Reid and Sugar Boy Malinga - and three others against world-rated fighters, Mads Larsen of Demark, Norbert Nieroba of Germany and Jaffa Ballogou of Togo.
Expect Botes to have a go against Mundine but also for him to fall against a fighter with much more speed.
Reporting on Botes' last international fight, against Reid in England 13 months ago, South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper reported: "Soon Botes put up a brave challenge but Robin Reid finally caught up with him in the fourth round of their one-sided fight.
"A short, straight right-hand punch (Mundine's favourite) sent Botes tumbling for an eight count.
"Reid then patiently stalked him down. The South African somehow made it to his feet but the referee correctly called an end to what had been one-way traffic. Reid was in control from the start.
"His punches were quicker and more accurate, particularly as the leaden-footed Botes offered little by way of movement. By the third it had become obvious that Botes had little hope."
Botes certainly has ticker.
After the first knockdown he was back on his feet at two and he went down the second time face first before bravely staggering to his feet.