Khaya Mlata aims for the WBC Youth World title in next bout
Khaya Mlata will be fighting for the WBC youth belt in his next ring walk against Ardy Katompa in October.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
In what could be an enormous moment for South African boxing, Cape Town may soon have another world champion to celebrate. The coveted WBC Youth World super bantamweight title is within reach. The prestigious green belt is arguably the most sought-after prize in the sport of boxing.
On October 25, the undefeated Khaya Mlata will step into the ring to face off against the formidable Ardy Katompa, with the potential of ending the night with the belt around his waist.
The announcement was made with great fanfare by Mlata’s promoter, Savva Savas of Insane Boxing Promotions, at the Cabo Beach. The news was music to the ears of Mlata, who has been steadily climbing the ranks and sees this as a career-defining moment.
For him, this is more than just a fight but a gateway to a different class of boxing, a stage that has historically served as a launchpad for future legends.
Mlata, with a flawless professional record of 8-0 and four knockouts to his name, has shown remarkable skill and composure in his journey so far.
He recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Saul Hlongwane in a six-round bout in his last outing a week ago. The next fight, however, represents a significant step up in class. Standing opposite him will be the Congolese-born Ardy Katompa, who fights out of Cape Town and brings a menacing record of 6-1-2 with five of his wins coming by way of knockout. Katompa's high knockout ratio suggests that he is a dangerous puncher, and Mlata will have to be at his sharpest to counter the power his opponent possesses.
Khaya Mlata in his last outing against Saul Hlongwane at Cabo Beach.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Should Mlata emerge victorious and claim the coveted green belt, he would be poised for worldwide stardom, following a path well-trodden by some of the biggest names in modern boxing history.
The WBC Youth title has been a proving ground for future champions before they step onto the global stage. Notable names who have held a WBC youth belt in various divisions and gone on to achieve major success include the likes of Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, Danny García, Timothy Bradley and Julio César Chávez Jr. to name just a few.