Phumelela Cafu eyeing IBF world title shot via Orlando

The two fighters clash at the Orlando Community Hall in Soweto on Sunday for the vacant IBF international junior-bantamweight title. 

Cafu believes a win in this bout would improve his chances of challenging IBF junior-bantamweight world champion Fernando Martinez from Argentina in the near-future.

"This fight is very important to me because I kind of feel like it's going top open the door for me to fight Martinez," said Cafu.

"Like the promoters say, I'm fighting for an international title. By December, I will be fighting for a world title, so this in this fight, I've got to put on a good show and make a statement not just for the opponent but also to Martinez, the top junior-bantamweight champions.

"I want to be a world champion, so on Sunday I'm going to show everyone that I'm ready for a world title shot, and going to do more than just being great, I'm going to kill him."

This will be Cafu’s first fight this year, having last fought in December 2022 when he beat veteran Jackson Chauke in East London, and he’s concerned about the few opportunities he’s had in 2023 so far.

"I want to do more than I did last year, but I kinda feel like this year I haven't got the opportunities that I had last year, so I think it's August and it's my first fight," he added.

"So, I've got to grab every chance with both hands, put down a statement and show the world that I'm really ready for anyone in the world. 

"I feel like soon I'll be a world champion, I'll never doubt myself, I do believe in my hard work and I work hard a lot, so why would I doubt myself when I work hard everyday. So, ja, I'm really ready for the fight."

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