By Sthembiso Nkabinde
Former IBF world champion Deejay Kriel is plotting a path back to the top of the boxing world.
Kriel, who has previously held the mini-flyweight world title, is desperate to wrap more gold across his waist.
The 28-year-old South African fell short in a bid to clinch his second world title two years ago. He was stopped in the tenth round by Felix Alvarado in their IBF junior-flyweight world title bout in Texas, USA.
The loss was Kriel’s second with the only other defeat coming in his debut in 2014 at the hands of Colin Tloubatla.
Kriel, who spent nearly two years twiddling his thumbs after his failed world title bid, is now looking to build momentum. He made a successful return to the squared circle last year with a comfortable majority decision victory over Thembelani Nxoshe.
The Johannesburg-born pugilist is now looking to rack up the wins and climb up the world rankings as he eyes another world title shot soon.
He is set to face Namibian Jafet Amukwa in his next fight on Saturday at the Box Camp Booysens Boxing Gym in Joburg.
His manager and trainer, Colin Nathan, believes Kriel is on his way back to the top and it’s only a matter of time before he earns another world title shot.
“We are working hard with Deejay, he is looking very good,” said Nathan.
“He’s got a fight coming up against a Namibian kid. He just needs to win and keep working on those rankings.
“We are working on the rankings, hopefully he will be in for a world title shot in a couple more fights.”
Kriel has been working with Nathan since his return to South Africa after spending some time in the US.
He has been sparring with some of the country’s best boxers, such as Hekkie Budler and South African Boxer of the Year, Sivenathi Nontshinga.
The 24-year-old Nontshinga is currently the only legitimate world champion in the country after successfully defending his IBF junior flyweight world title.
‘The Special One’ defeated his mandatory challenger Regie Suganob in front of his home crowd in East London, Eastern Cape, last week to retain his title.
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