By Ronnie Nathanielsz

South African promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves is reportedly playing a waiting game in terms of implementing the International Boxing Organization’s order for a rematch between South African super flyweight champion Gideon Buthelezi and Edrin Dapudong of the Philippines.

Buthelezi won the vacant super-flyweight title in a clash at the Emperors Palace near Johannesburg last November 10 in a twelve round split decision that was criticized in South Africa and described as a “robbery” in the Philippines.

Judges Tony Nyangiwe 115-112 and Micxhael Pernick 115-113 scored the fight for Buthelezi while the third judge Reg Thompson had Dapudong the winner 114-113.

Super Sport in South Africa quoted promoter Berman who noted  "There was a great deal of controversy over the judges' decision to award the fight to Buthelezi. Many observers believed Dapudong had done enough to take the decision. We will be happy to clear the air by staging a rematch to make an end to the controversy."

He said "Gideon is a top-class fighter and I'm sure he will relish the opportunity to show he is a deserving champion and to retain his title in convincing fashion, without any disputes."

Although the South African promoter said he would stage the rematch as soon as possible, Filipino promoter/manager  Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr claimed that when he inquired from Golden Gloves as to the date of the rematch he was told “later, later. We have some other fights coming up.”

Dapudong’s manager, former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol told the Manila Standard that “I have not received any notice yet although they said its going to be February 16 but I learned from ‘Bebot’ Elorde that the South Africans would like to postpone the rematch.”

The 26 year old southpaw Buthelezi has a record of 13-3 with 4 knockouts while Dapudong who is also 26 has a record of 27-5 with 15 knockouts.

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