Ndou: First Medley, then Mayweather  by Ray Wheatley

Lovemore Ndou is about to embark on a part-time job as Floyd Mayweather's main sparring partner but it's his current gym mate that's occupying most of his focus.
Ndou is presently sparring Rob Medley (18-0, 12 KOs) ahead of the lanky coal miner's IBO welterweight title fight with South African Isaac Hlatshwayo (26-1, 9 KOs) on October 12 at Panthers Leagues Club at Penrith, west of Sydney. Hlatshwayo is  pictured beating Nate Campbell.
It is a big step in class for the 6ft Medley, whose best wins have come against another South African Kaiser Mabuza, and Aussies Adrian Campbell, Eddie Delic, Sam Setu and Wade Clout.
Hlatshwayo, who stands just 5ft 8in, is far more experienced against top-class opponents and boasts wins over highly rated US lightweight Nate Campbell (split decision), South Africans Cassius Baloyi and Philip N'dou and Argentina's Aldo Rios.
All four opponents have fought for major world titles, Campbell losing twice against Aussie IBF king Robbie Peden.
Hlatshwayo's only loss came last November in Atlantic City when he was decked in the ninth, 11th and 12th rounds against American Kendall Holt.
``Isaac got smashed,'' Ndou said. ``Most of the big wins he's scored have been close decisions against smaller guys like Cassius Baloyi and Phillip N'dou coming up in weight.
``Phillip had just been battered by Floyd Mayweather and was at the end of his career.
``Isaac wanted to fight me not long ago. He's a good fighter but the fight is very winnable for Rob.
``Size matters and Rob is a very big welterweight and Isaac a very small one. He's a lightweight jumping up two weight divisions.
``He is skilful and experienced and it will be a tough bout.
``It comes down to how much Rob wants it.''
Ndou expects to start sparring Mayweather in October ahead of the WBC welterweight champ's December 8 defence against Ricky Hatton.
He is still waiting on news of a rematch with New York's Paulie Malignagi, who took his IBF world junior-welterweight title in Connecticut in June.
``Malignaggi doesn't want to fight me again,'' he said. ``So they will proably try to buy me out of the rematch. If that happens I'll try to get a fight on the Mayweather-Hatton card and work my way back from there to another world title.
``I'm very excitined to be sparring Mayweather. He is the best fighter in the world and he will be too fast and too slick for Hatton. Maybe I can get to fight what's left of Hatton after Mayweather beats him.''

27 Aug 2007

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