In response to a suggestion from Arturo Gatti’s promoter Main Events this week that he is out of the mix for a July 14 match, IBF super lightweight world champion Lovemore “Black Panther” Ndou hit back at the politics in boxing that hurts the sport.

“I’m always in the mix!” Ndou said, from his Sydney home. “The fans want to see great fights and that is what I bring to the ring. It is no secret that Lovemore Ndou comes to fight and entertain the fans.

"One of the biggest problems in boxing is that is always about winning, but if you never test yourself and fight the best, what does your record really mean? Lets reward the boxers who really want to fight and not stand in their way. Real warriors want to beat the toughest challengers, not be handed victories.”

Born in Transvaal, South Africa and now a citizen of Australia, 35 year-old Ndou (45 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, 30 knockouts) is currently rated No.4 by THE RING magazine at super lightweight.

“As I said earlier this week, I have great respect for Arturo Gatti and what he has achieved,” said Ndou. “He is the people’s champion because of what he gives in the ring. Gatti’s fans don’t just support him for his wins.

"They follow him for the way he fights in the ring. He has lost fights but he still packs the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City because fans know that he is going to give everything he has to achieve victory. He will risk defeat seeking greater glory.

“HBO are about putting on the best fights in boxing and Gatti versus Ndou is one of the most exciting fights out there. Our records are very similar and neither of us ever ducked anybody. Matching fights is never easy, but this fight has “can’t miss’ written all over it.”

Ndou says that if his fight with Gatti is not made, he will still be fighting in the USA next.

“My adviser Al Haymon has told me that I will be fighting on USA television in June or July,” he said. “If Gatti does or doesn’t take the fight, that’s OK. I’m not worried about any opponent in the ring.

"Whether it’s Gatti or anyone else, they’re getting a whipping! Winning my next fight is not a problem. I’m more concerned about passing my next law exam at University this Monday.”

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