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December 07 2007 at 04:33PM
Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight champion Francois Botha, will not be fighting in Germany as announced in international media reports.
This was disclosed by Botha's promoter Thinus Strydom, who also acts as the fighter's manager, following reports on several international boxing websites that Botha was supposed to fight Cuban Olympic gold medalist Odlanier Solis Fonte in Germany on December 23.
The fight is said to be promoted by German Ahmet Oener under his banner Arena Box-Promotion.
The Cuban, who has won all his five bouts with four knockouts, is being touted as the next world heavyweight champion. Oener is quoted as saying the fight was arranged to test Fonte's mettle.
However, Strydom said there was never an arrangement for Botha to fight in Germany, let alone face Fonte.
"It is the first time I am hearing this and I can categorically say there is no such fight involving Botha," Strydom.
Strydom said Botha's next bout would be in February 1 next year against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
"We are looking for a strong opponent and we have names lined up but this guy you have just mentioned is not among those names."
Botha, nicknamed "White Buffalo" last fought in July this year when he beat Australian Bob Mirovic on points to claim the WBF interim heavyweight title. - Sapa
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Loud 'nein' from Buffalo's camp
07 December 2007 (18:11)
© Gallo Images
Former IBF heavyweight champion Francois Botha will not be fighting Cuba's Odlanier Solis Fonte in Germany before Christmas.
Botha's promoter and manager, Thinus Strydom, says , reports that Botha is scheduled to fight in Germany on December 23 are incorrect.
Some boxing websites have reported that Botha will take on Fonte, an Olympic gold medallist in a tournament promoted by German Ahmet Oener's organisation, Arena Box-Promotions.
The Cuban, who has registered four knockouts in winning his five professional bouts so far, is being touted as a future world champion.
Oener has been quoted as saying the fight was arranged to test Fonte's mettle.
However, Strydom says there was never an arrangement for Botha to fight in Germany, let alone face Fonte.
"It is the first that I have heard of this. I can categorically say there is no such fight," Strydom said on Friday.
He added that Botha's next bout would be in February next year against an opponent to be confirmed.
"We are looking for a strong opponent and we have some names lined up but this guy (Fonte) is not among them."
Botha, nicknamed "White Buffalo," last fought in July this year when he beat Australian Bob Mirovic on points to claim the WBF interim heavyweight title.
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Und jetzt runter mit der Euphorie. Wär doch auch zu hübsch gewesen