Trainer Nick Durandt wants Jeffrey Mathebula to fight in South Africa when he challenges IBF junior featherweight champion Jhonatan Romero.

Durandt has appealed to promoter Branco Milenkovic to secure a "home" fight for Mathebula.

Mathebula beat Takalani Ndlovu on points at Brakpan last weekend in what was regarded as an eliminator to go after Romero’s title.

Durandt said on Monday he was not afraid to travel to Colombia or anywhere else to get a title shot for Mathebula.

"I'm the most travelled trainer in South Africa and my record speaks for itself.

"But my boxers have suffered from some heartbreaking judging decisions on foreign soil. Mathebula is one of them."

Milenkovic said a fight between Romero and Mathebula in South Africa was a priority, but it would be difficult to secure.

"There is nothing I would like better than to stage this encounter – which will probably be held around October – at Carnival City," Milenkovic said.

"But Romero is the champion and we would have to tempt him with a lucrative offer to come to South Africa. Then there is the vital issue of suitable TV coverage for a fight of this stature."

By beating Ndlovu, Mathebula has earned a chance to regain the title he lost in a bruising battle against Nonito Donaire six months ago; a fight in which his jaw was broken halfway through the bout.

Donaire, rated among the best fighters, pound-for-pound, in the world, has since vacated the title, which is not held by the Colombian.

Durandt on Monday praised Mathebula and Ndlovu for their performances last Saturday night.

"I don't think either of them was at his best, but we had only a little more than four weeks to prepare for the fight," he said. "This was Jeffrey's first encounter since his jaw was broken by Donaire."

“Momo” Romero, whose record stands at 23-0, including 12 knockouts, won the title in February when he beat Alejandro Lopez of Mexico.