EL PASO, Texas – Former world champion Takalani Ndlovu knows that this might just be last chance to become a world champion again and he has come ready to take home a victory that will open the door to another world title opportunity.
“I know that at my age this kind of opportunities, are not going to come again. That is why I need to take advantage of this one and put myself in line for another world championship fight,” said Ndlovu, the 34 year-old South African after a long workout in El Paso.
Ndlovu (33-7, 18 KO’s) will take on Alejandro “Alex” Lopez (23-2, 7 KO’s) in a Junior Featherweight International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator this Saturday at the El Paso County Coliseum.
“To be honest I thought my last chance had come and gone when I lost my title to Jeffrey Mathebula in March. I was surprised that this opportunity came about and now I got to do my job and get myself back in a championship fight,” said Ndlovu, who took the title away from Steve Molitor in March of 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He then had a successful defense in Mexico against Giovany Caro, before losing in a split decision to his countryman Mathebula in March of this year.
“I have fought my share of Mexican fighters and I know it will be difficult fight in front of a lot of his fans, but I think my experience will allow me to take care of my business. I don’t doubt that his a capable fighter but I am ready for this fight,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu trainer Gert Strydom is not leaving anything to chance.
“His (Ndlovu) work for this fight and his always in the gym anyway, but I know that in boxing all opponents are difficult and a fight can turn with one punch and everything could be gone in 10 seconds. He just has to go out there and do his best and with his experience he should be able to get this win and continue towards that championship opportunity,” said Strydom.
The final press conference for the fight will this Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Camino Real Hotel in downtown El Paso, Texas.
The card also includes local favorites Abie and Jennifer Han, who will be fighting in the same card for only the second time in their professional career.
