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Hlatshwayo is considered one of the best upcoming South African prospects, after winning a split decision over Phillip N'Dou in his last fight. His trip to Blighty will be his first sojourn out of South Africa though, so he could be hot prospect or maybe a dud.

I don't know too much about Jason Cook, although he clearly has not beaten the cream of the lightweight crop. How do you all rate him, and do you reckon his IBO title is in jeopardy by this fight?

Ooo..where you get this from!?!

anyways, i haven't seen this South African geezer but his win against Ndou looks a very impressive one, and i'm not sure Cook is at that level. But i can't make a proper assesment because i haven't seen the guy fight, and he's unbeaten.

emile wrote:Hlatshwayo is considered one of the best upcoming South African prospects, after winning a split decision over Phillip N'Dou in his last fight. His trip to Blighty will be his first sojourn out of South Africa though, so he could be hot prospect or maybe a dud.

I don't know too much about Jason Cook, although he clearly has not beaten the cream of the lightweight crop. How do you all rate him, and do you reckon his IBO title is in jeopardy by this fight?

Thanks for posting Emile. Cook's a fine fighter. His only loss was a freak KO at the hands of Brummie southpaw Trevor Smith a few years ago (he was caught cold). Cook went on to capture the European lightweight title with a stunning kayo over Sandro Casamonica in Italy, though subsequently lost the title on the scales. Cook can box and punch. He also knows how to break a man's rhythm with plenty of Robin Reid-like complaining to the ref. He has huge support in Wales for a man known there as "The Pinching Postman" (he was sent to prison for stealing as a postie). He continues to defy logic by squeezing his body down to 9st 9lbs and yet finishing 12-rounders strongly.
This South African must be good to have beaten N'dou. Was talking to Carl Allen on Saturday night and he told me N'dou was by far and away the best opponent he has ever faced.

This is being reported in the South African press, although no date has been given. Maybe on the Kelly-Booth card?

I've been following Hlatshwayo for a while, but never seen him. He handled most of South Africa's best in the division, although he barely scraped by Lucky Lewele and the win over N'dou was split (although the press seemed to think he clearly won). He doesn't have a high KO%, but he seems to be improving his power lately, and he put N'dou in the hospital.

Here's the story from his fight with N'dou - http://www.suntimes.co.za/2004/05/30/sp ... xing06.asp

I cited this guy as one to watch out for a short while ago. Cook ought to be wary...

http://www.boxrec.com/phpBB2/viewtopic. ... hlatshwayo