MANAGER BELIEVES OLIVA CAN BEAT MTHALANE AND WIN IBO TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Oliva.
While Filipino Jether Oliva?s manager believes his fighter can beat South Africa?s former IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane and win the IBO title when they clash in Durban, South Africa on Sunday, Manila Time, boxing writers in South Africa don?t give Oliva much of a chance.
Well known boxing writer Ron Jackson of Super Sport said ?records show that Oliva remained undefeated in his first 18 fights, fighting little-known opponents in his own country (the Philippines). He then went to Mexico to challenge Ulises Solis for the IBF light flyweight title and was well beaten.?
Jackson noted that since then Oliva ?has won three times and drawn once against boxers with poor records. It seems likely, therefore, that Mthalane will win another belt despite 19 months of inactivity? after retaining his IBF belt in a fight against Ricardo Nunez in Panama City in September 2012.
Despite the fact that Mthalane gave then IBF/IBO champion Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire a tough time in November 2008 before a cut and a bloodied face prompted referee Joe Cortez to call a halt in the 6th round.
Despite the reputation of Mthalane, the manager of Oliva, Jim Claude Manangquil is unfazed. He told Panamanian boxing writer Carlos Costa "In my heart, we have confidence in Jether Oliva's chances against Mthalane. Our boy has skills, youth and heart. We go to South Africa to win and bring glory to our country, the Philippines."
Manangquil added "I must say that our fighter has prepared for this battle for weeks. Jether has trained hard. More than 100 rounds of sparring. We are ready for action. Before, the best weight for Jether Oliva was 108 lbs. But Jether has grown some during the past year. I am positive that he will be fast and strong in South Africa."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Pacquiao sets record as only active Hall of Famer
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 10 Jun 2025Bernardino rules Sali Chess Blitz Ope
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 10 Jun 2025Oklahoma Pulls Away From Indiana, 123-107; Ties Finals Series, 1-all
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 09 Jun 2025Mason Storm: Abdullah Butchers Nakathila in Norfolk Showcase
Sun, 08 Jun 2025Return of the comeback
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 08 Jun 2025MANNY PACQUIAO IN CANASTOTA, NY (PHOTOS)
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Jun 2025Introducing The Spartan Series: Vegas Fight Experience — Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
Sun, 08 Jun 2025RESULTS FROM TONIGHT’S “HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT” PRESENTED BY SALITA PROMOTIONS & ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT LIVE ON DAZN AT THE TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Davis vs De Los Santos: The Fight That Never Was
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Jun 20252 Filipino grandmasters join Touchmove chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 07 Jun 2025Keyshawn Davis Fight Canceled After Weight Miss, Mason-Nakathila Elevated to Main Event
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 07 Jun 2025Eumir Marcial Set to Battle Alexis Gaytán in Pacquiao's Comeback Show
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 07 Jun 2025SUNDAY: Fabio Turchi-Milans Volkovs Cruiserweight Showdown Headlines Italy Fight Card LIVE in the U.S. on ESPN+
Sat, 07 Jun 2025Bomogao KOs Rubio in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 07 Jun 2025REYES CUP SET FOR ELECTRIFYING RETURN TO MANILA, OCTOBER 16–19
Sat, 07 Jun 2025