Mama to challenge Mthalane for IBF world fly title

By Lito delos Reyes

DAVAO CITY – World-rated Jayson “Smasher” Mama of Gen. Santos City will challenge International Boxing Federation world flyweight champion Moruti “Babyface” Mthalane of South Africa on Dec. 20 in Durban, South Africa.

The 23-year old Mama recently stopped Reymark Taday of Cotabato in the 3rd round last Feb. 29 in Lagao Gym, Gen. Santos City.

“Hindi ako titigil hanggang hindi ko pa nakukuha yung gusto ko, Pero hindi rin ako titigil sa pag papahalaga sa kung anong meron ako” (I won’t stop until I get what I want, But I won’t stop appreciating what I have), said Mama in his Facebook.

“My first world title fight. Supportahan nyo po ako sa darating kong laban (Support me for my upcoming fight)”, said Mama.

In 2019, Mama won three times including against Teeraphong Utaida of Thailand by a unanimous decision in Beijing.

Mama then TKO’d Ekkawit Songnui of Thailand in the 3rd round last June 9 in TV5 Studio, Novaliches then beat Dexter Alimento of Iligan by a unanimous decision last Sept. 5 in Polomolok.

Mama has remained undefeated with 15 wins and eight knockouts while Mthalane has 39 wins with 26 knockouts against two defeats.

It will be the fourth title-defense of the 38-year old Mthalane, who scored a technical knockout over Akira Yaegashi of Japan in the 9th round last Dec. 23 in Japan.

Mthalane took the vacant belt from Muhammad Waseem of Pakistan by a unanimous decision in July 15, 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. In his first title defense, Mthalane scored a TKO over Masahiro Sakamoto of Japan in the 10th round last December 31, 2018.

He went back in Japan to defend against Masayuki Kuroda and won by a unanimous decision last May 13, 2019 in Korakuen Hall.