Grant Steps In For Holyfield For Botha Title Clash In Johannesburg

The growth of the World Boxing Federation can be seen by the forthcoming promotion to be held in Johannesburg South Africa on 19 November. Co-promoted by ShowPony and the Southern Suns Group, new kid on the block promoter Damian Michael has set up one of the most exciting extravaganza ever to be staged in Africa.

With Evander Holyfield relinquishing his title to fight Alexander Povetkin in December for the WBA heavyweight title, and thus withdrawing from his scheduled title fight with Francois ‘White Buffalo’ Botha, promoter Michael wasted no time in putting together a thunderous bill which will be hosted by the world famous MonteCasino in Johannesburg.

Stepping in to fight Botha for the vacant title will be former world number-one Michael Grant. The American boasts a highly impressive record of 45 wins with 37 KOs against only four losses. Two times world heavyweight champion, Francois Botha himself has an outstanding record of 50 wins against only 5 defeats.

One should not forget that Botha has fought the likes of Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer to mention but a few.

But the Botha vs. Grant fight is just one of five WBF world championship bouts scheduled for the night. The vacant World Cruiserweight title will be contested between the vicious punching Ilunga Makabu of DRC, who has 9 wins, all by knockout, against a solitary loss against Pedro Otis from Brazil, who himself has only one loss in two dozen fights.
Throw in fighters like Ali Funeka, Zolani Marali, Malcolm Klassen, Lbubalo Msutu, Rafael Guzman and one has a magnificent event.

The relationship already forged between the World Boxing Federation and promoter Damian Michael has been excellent, and talks are already underway for a second and even bigger show in February next year. Our hats go off to Michael, MonteCasino, the Southern Suns Group and ShowPony promotions.