CAMPBELL READY TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST FUNEKA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Sep 2008
American Nate Campbell is keen to defend his IBF lightweight title against South Africa ?s Ali Funeka before the end of the year.
Campbell, who also holds the WBA and WBO belts, has said he would like to fight Funeka, the mandatory challenger, before December.
The champion was scheduled to defend his titles against Joan Guzman at the weekend but the bout was cancelled when Guzman was unable to make the weight and later withdrew altogether, saying he was not feeling well. Campbell has since lashed out at the man from the Dominican Republic , calling hom a clown.
"Maybe (promoter) Don King can work something out to make the fight against Funeka before December," he said on Monday. "The WBO said since I was within the limit and I was prepared to fight, they would allow me to pursue other options if I so wish," he was quoted as saying.
"But I still have mandatory obligation with Funeka, which I want to fulfil,? he added.
Funeka was hoping to fight the winner of the bout between Campbell and Guzman, which was regarded as an optional defence by the IBF.
Funeka earned the mandatory status by knocking out Zahir Raheem in four rounds in East London on July 5.
His promoter, Mzi Mnguni, said on Monday they would wait for the IBF to respond before deciding what to do. Mnguni said he was hoping the IBF would order Campbell to fight Funeka in his next bout. "That would be the right thing to do because Ali is a rightful mandatory challenger and deserves his chance."
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