At the start of September Branco Milenkovic promoted a star studded bill in South Africa that contained two world titles fights & two world title eliminators. In one of the World title fights current IBF Flyweight champion Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane 26-2(17) made a successful first defence against compatriot Zolani Tete. Mthalane 27, hails from Johannesburg and is now a 10 year veteran of the ring. In the summer of 2008 he won an IBF title eliminator against the more experienced Hussein Hussein that win catapulted him into a title fight with Nonito Donaire. Despite putting up a good performance it wasn’t enough against Donaire who forced the stoppage on cuts in the sixth. Full credit to Mthalane after one more fight he once against challenged for the then vacant IBF title this time he wasn’t to be denied turning back Julio Cesar Miranda comfortably on points before his his recent defence against Tete. Now Mthalane wants a rematch with Miranda who since losing to Mthalane has won the WBO 112 crown. Perhaps a unification beckons.
Hello Moruti, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on your win over Zolani Tete, what can you tell us about the fight & how happy you were with the performance?
Moruti Mthalane – I was very happy with my performance. I always said, I will win the fight and although Tete is great prospect and was a puncher (13-0 11KO), he didn’t fought the same quality opponents as I did (Nonito Donaire, Julio Miranda, Hussein Hussein and ect).
Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your title winning performance against Miranda? How did it feel to become World Champion?
Moruti Mthalane – Going it that fight against Miranda, I known I have to win and this is my last chance. It felt really great!! Miranda is now WBO World Champion makes me even better as the man I beat is very credible fighter.
Anson Wainwright – Thought its early days any idea when you maybe back in action?
Moruti Mthalane – I hope to fight end of the year, or early in the New Year. I would like unification.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use for training?
Moruti Mthalane – My trainer manager is Nick Durandt and the promoter of course Branco Milenkovic. The gym we using is “Durandt Boxing World”
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years in Johannesburg, were things tough? How did you first get involved in Boxing?
Moruti Mthalane – I’m originally from the cost city Durban. My older brother Innocent Mthalane was National Champion. I always had a dream to be national champion, and I never thought I would go far as IBF World Champion.
Anson Wainwright – You travelled to America and fought Nonito Donaire you lost when the fight was stopped on cuts in the sixth. What do you think of that fight looking back? How highly do you rate Donaire he’s now up at Super Flyweight and on Pound for Pound lists?
Moruti Mthalane – I was very unfortunate the way I lost first challenge for IBF Flyweight against Donaire in Las Vegas in November 2008. After losing first two rounds, I was getting on top of Donaire, but unfortunate cut at the beginning of round 6, have forced experience referee Cortez to stop the fight. I was very sad, and thought of giving up the boxing. I work hard over the years in order to challenge for Legitimate World Championship, and to lose on cut was very sad.
In the change room after Donaire fight, my promoter Branco Milenkovic promise me that he will work hard and get me another shot at the title with in one year. As always, Branco kept the promise and year later in November 2009 I challenged very experience fighter in Julio Miranda. I would love to fight Donaire again, but I don’t think he will be in hurry to give me a chance again.
Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Flyweight division at the moment? There are several top fighters in Asia WBC Pongsaklek WBA Daiki Kameda plus Koki Kameda, Sakata & Naito what do you think of all those guys?
Moruti Mthalane – I would be very confident to take on any of those. I would not mind to give Miranda rematch, but now for both titles IBF and WBO.
Anson Wainwright – Away from Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies and interests?
Moruti Mthalane – I spend most of the time in the gym. Not only as a professional fighter, but I’m assisting executive clients in improving they health. I’m personal trainer for executives. The day is long and I don’t really go out – I spend any free time home reading, I love to read.
Anson Wainwright – If you weren’t a boxer what do you think you’d be doing?
Moruti Mthalane – I’m sure I will still be in Sport, maybe soccer player?!
Anson Wainwright – What has winning the title done for you? Has it raised your profile making you more popular in South Africa etc
Moruti Mthalane – With out doubt have changed my life! My family is very proud of me and the country as well. There weren’t many South African boxers who won Legitimate World Championships.
Anson Wainwright – What are your future goals in Boxing? Unification’s, fighting abroad move up to Super Flyweight?
Moruti Mthalane – For now I would like unification, but if opportunity comes to go division up and fight Donaire – I will take with both hands.
Thanks for your time Moruti.
Best Wishes
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
