WINDHOEK, Namibia—Former World Boxing Association lightweight champion Paulus “The Hitman” Moses (28-2, 19 KOs) will face former IBF super featherweight champion Cassius “Mr. Shy Guy” Baloyi (37-6-1, 19 KOs), from Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 28 at the Ramatex Factory in Windhoek, Namibia.
Moses, who hails from Windhoek, took on World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Ricky Burns in his last outing on March 10. Moses gave a spirited performance in the Scotsman’s home country before losing by decision.
“I am a former world champion, so I know what it takes to win a title,” Moses said. “Baloyi is a former world champion, so it’s no different for him. I must win if I want to fight for a title again.
“My fans and I appreciate Baloyi for accepting the invitation to fight in my hometown. Baloyi and I will both come to fight, and may the best man win.”
“I also want to give special thanks to my promoter Don King and his staff. They believe in me, and I will prove I am worthy of another world title shot.”
Moses traveled to Japan in 2008 and defeated Yusuke Kobori to win the WBA lightweight crown. He lost the title in a showdown against then-WBA interim lightweight champion Miguel Acosta on May 29, 2010.
Moses subsequently responded with three consecutive wins—the first two over opponents from Argentina and both matches took place at the Windkhoek Country Club Resort in the capital city of Namibia. He scored a fourth-round technical knockout over Sergio Omar Priotti on Nov. 25, 2010, and he dispatched Miguel Lombardo with a first-round knockout in his last outing on March 19, 2011.
Prior to facing Burns, Moses won a unanimous decision over former Brazilian champion Sidney Siqueira at the Windhoek Country Club on Sept. 24, 2011.
Moses vs. Baloyi will be a co-featured attraction with the main event showcasing at WBO bantamweight elimination bout with No. 3-ranked Paulus Ambunda, from Namibia, taking on William Prado, from Brazil. The winner will also become WBO International bantamweight champion.
