Boxing Preview: Manuel Medina – Cassius Baloyi

Tonight at the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, Washington, the amazing Manuel Medina will contend in his twenty first major world title bout when he meets South African Cassius Baloyi for the both the vacant IBF and the IBO Super Featherweight crowns on a Banner Promotions bill. A five time world champion, 80 bout veteran Medina, 66-14 (31), brings the clear edge in experience, having faced an incredible list of the top feathers and super feathers over the last fifteen years.

Baloyi, 31-2 (16), is the current IBO Super Feather champ and held two WBU belts, first at super bantam and then at featherweight over ten defenses from 1996 to 2001. Despite never having contended for a major world title, the Johannesburg southpaw has defeated such former or future world champions such as Mbulelo Botile, Lehlo Ledwaba and Frankie Toldeo. A pro since 1994, Baloyi has only come up short against world class fellow South Africans Issac Hlatshwayo and Phillip N’dou.

In this fight, Medina will be engaging in only his third major contest at super feather and will also be in the unusual position of facing an opponent who is not only taller but also possessing greater reach. At 35 years of age and after an almost twenty year career, Medina will have to prove that he can turn back the clock as he did in his first contest against Scott Harrison almost three years ago.

But Scott Harrison wore the lanky Mexican down in their rematch and Baloyi will be looking to do the same. Medina has a busy, high volume jabbing style and will be hard pressed to keep that going against his younger opponent, particularly one who takes away some of the advantages “Mantecas” generally enjoys.

Medina is undoubtable all too aware that failure against Baloyi means the end of the road for his dreams of winning one more world title and that could provide the incentive for one last great performance.