Paulus “ Hitman” Moses might have an opportunity to regain his WBA lightweight world title after it emerged that he is one of the top four contenders who the current title holder Brandon Rios will have to choose from for his next title defence in July.
This was announced by Moses’ trainer Nestor Tobias in Windhoek on Thursday.
“When it comes to voluntary title defence the champion has got the right to select an opponent who he feels comfortable with,” Tobias said.
The 24-year-old Rios beat Miguel Acosta to win the world title in February on a 10th round knock out.
“Rios is due to defend his title in July but has to select between Hitman and three other guys and we are just hoping he will pick Hitman,” he added.
Rios has an impressive record of 28 fights, 27 wins and one draw, Moses on the other hand has 27 fights with one loss.
Before the news of the world title came, Tobias was trying to negotiate a fight for Moses against Devon Alexander in a super lightweight fight in the USA.
“Alexander is a great fighter in the USA where he has a lot of support and is a huge charismatic and attractive boxer,” he said.
“For us the title is more important than the money, and if the Hitman has the opportunity to fight for the title then we will choose for the title.”
“So now we are just waiting and keeping our fingers crossed,” Tobias said.
The fight is scheduled for 9 July in California and some of the other contenders that Rios is looking at besides Moses are Urbano Antillon, Humberto Soto and Marc Antonio Barrera.
Meanwhile, Tobias handed a cheque for N$96 600 to Alberto Bertollini’s Trust Fund at the ofice of Namibia's Founding Father Sam Nujoma on Thursday afternoon.
Bertolini was diagnosed with Caroli's disease in 2005, and is urgently seeking funds that will enable him to undergo a liver transplant in Germany. The Rehoboth youngster needs at least N$1,2 million in order for the life-saving procedure to happen.
“We want to show our social responsibility, we have great boxers like Paulus Moses,” Tobias said.
“He needs a lot of money, this is just a drop in the ocean compared to the total amount he needs and I want to encourage other companies to do the same.”
The money was raised at the annual Independence Boxing Bonanza where Moses fought Miguel Lombardo at the Windhoek Country Club on March 19.