By Brandon Estrict
After a disappointing ending to his unification bout with Timothy Bradley last April, Kendall “Rated R” Holt may finally be in position to force a championship sequel. The former WBO junior welterweight kingpin lost his title in a unification bout against the then WBC belt holder, shattering his dreams of becoming the first unified 140 lb champion in four years.
The fight was not without its NC-17 moments however, as Rated R nearly ended the bout spectacularly in the opening round, literally knocking Bradley off his feet with a perfect counter left-hook. Following the knockdown, Bradley was able to get back on track and generally outwork Holt, before the Paterson native decked him in the final round. Unfortunately, it was too little too late, as Bradley’s consistent workrate helped him overcome the knockdowns en route to claiming a unanimous decision.
That was nearly one calendar year ago, yet Holt, 25-3 (13 KO’s), still hasn’t been given the opportunity to atone for that defeat. Until now that is.
Holt will meet South African Kaizer Mabuza, 22-6-3 (13 KO’s), Saturday, February 27, at Bally’s in Atlantic City to determine the number one contender to IBF champion Juan Urango. The bout will be Kendall’s first since facing Bradley.
Team Holt knows what this bout means to the future of their charge. Holt, the world’s number 7 rated junior welterweight according to The Ring, can get his career back on the fast track in a talent-laden 140 lb division if he emerges victorious. Possible future opponents could include a rematch with Bradley, Amir Khan, Paulie Malignaggi, the aforementioned Urango or fast-rising Devon Alexander.
Holt’s long-time trainer, Aroz “Terrific” Gist of Paterson, understands that Kendall can’t overlook anyone and must take one step at a time.
“The South African guy (Mabuza) is tough. We’ve got to take care of business, first.”
Gist is confident Kendall will do just that, and see’s big things ahead for the 28 year-old Holt.
“Sky’s the limit in 2010,” he stated emphatically.
“This is our time. I can see that fire in his eye again. The speed, the power, everything’s coming together and it makes me want to step my game up as a trainer. He’s getting that swagger back!”
Gist, who’s been with Holt through many ups and downs, understands the road to redemption starts February 27.
“We’ve been together for seven years and this sport is hard, man. But my man is hungry and wants to be a champion again. He wants to prove the doubters wrong, and it’s a blessing to be on his side.”
The off-television portion of the card includes a number of instate fighters including junior middleweights Glen Tapia (Passaic), Tyrone Miles (Camden) and Ossie Duran (Paterson), as well as a four round light heavyweight match up between Troy Maxwell (Galloway Township) and Todd Eriksson (Dover).
The Holt-Mabuza fight will be aired on Fox Sports Net, and tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 215-765-0922. The card is being promoted by Top Rank, in association with Peltz Boxing.
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