SOUTH AFRICA’S Zolani Tete has made weight for his intriguing WBO bantamweight title defence against John Riel Casimero in Birmingham on Saturday (November 30).
Tete scaled 8st 4lbs 3oz, Casimero was 8st 5lbs 4oz.
“I have been out injured because of shoulder tendonitis but the way I have been training it shouldn’t bother me. I didn’t need surgery but it took a couple of months to get it right. Mentally and physically I am still there and the injury will not stand in my way. It was frustrating getting injured in the World Boxing Super Series and pulling out, but Casimero is one of the best,” Tete said before the fight. “Hopefully after this defence my next fight will be Naoya Inoue. If I beat Casimero that fight is a step closer. It is possible to meet Inoue next year.
“My promoter Mr. Frank Warren will do his best to make the fight happen. My shoulder will not come off but you will see punches bouncing off Casimero’s head. He is a good fighter though who can come forward and has power. But we will deal with those things.”
On the same bill at the Arena Birmingham, exciting talent Lerrone Richards (11st 13lbs) will fight Lennox Clarke (11st 13lbs 5oz) for the Commonwealth and vacant British super-middleweight titles. Sam Bowen (9st 3lbs 6oz) also meets Anthony Cacace (9st 3lbs) for the British super-featherweight crown.
