Wilberforce Shihepo will take on South Africa’s Johnny Muller for the WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title in Johannesburg on 15 February.
This was confirmed by Namibian promoter Nestor Tobias who clinched the deal with South Africa’s Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman.
“This is a good opportunity for the Black Mamba because a win will get him closer to the world title. Johnny is a strong young boxer but Shihepo is more experienced and has a good chance of knocking Muller out,” he said.
Muller is only 23 years old but has a good professional record of 15 wins, three losses and two draws.
He is the current South African light heavyweight champion and has lost two other title fights – for the IBO All Africa light heavyweight title and the IBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title, both against compatriot Ryno Liebenberg.
Since then, however, he reclaimed the South African light heavyweight title by beating Mohale on an 11th round TKO in August last year.
Shihepo, who won the African super middleweight title in December last year with a sixth round KO against Daniel Wanyonyi of Kenya, will have to move up a weight to fight for the light heavyweight title, but according to his promoter Nestor Tobias, it was not a problem.
“He’s a big guy and has fought at light heavyweight before and will be comfortable with the weight,” he said.
Although the WBC Silver light heavyweight title is yet another recently created title of not much value, Tobias said a win would boost Shihepo’s career.
“It’s all about the world title – a win for Shihepo will get him a WBC world ranking and move him closer to a world title fight,” he said.
Tobias said the fight would provide good exposure for Shihepo and Namibia.
“The fight will be broadcast live on SuperSport and it will give the Black Mamba as well as Namibia good marketing and exposure,” he said.
