Tricky decision looms for lightweight champ
National lightweight champion Martin Jacobs has a lot of thinking to do as he prepares to make a significant decision on his career.
Jacobs is tempted to relinquish the title to pursue an international career - which would hopefully lead to a second world title bout. He intends discussing the matter with manager Brian Mitchell and promoter Rodney Berman.
Jacobs has made three successful defences - two more would give him outright possession of the Old Buck belt - but he said the national title "is a hazard" to his career.
"I've been promised a world title shot again and would like to engage in international bouts," said Jacobs, who clearly outpointed, but failed to get the verdict on a split decision against Colin Dunne for the World Boxing Union title in Dagenham, Essex on Saturday.
Mitchell agrees in principle that at 24, and with as many bouts under his belt (18-4-2), the time has come for his charge to cast his net wider.
Unsure though how soon Berman, the boss of Golden Gloves/Fists Promotions, can arrange a fight for Jacobs, Mitchell said he doesn't want his fighter to be without a title.
"We saw what happened to Charles Mailula. He relinquished the junior featherweight title because he was promised a world title bout. What happened?" asked Mitchell rhetorically.
He added: "We'll pursue a world title fight, but won't rush into relinquishing the national belt."
Mitchell's stand could change after a meeting with Berman next week. The promoter said he still has to be discuss the matter with the fighter and his manager.
Berman said he would recommend relinquishing the title.
"The Dunne bout showed Jacobs is a cut above the rest," said Berman. "There will be big opportunities. The other reason is to give others the chance to fight for it."
Berman further anticipates that Floyd Mayweather, the US holder of the International Boxing Organisation title, will go up to the super lightweight division as the American has already intimated.
"Jacobs could fight for that title. If he loses, he is still young enough to come back," said Berman.
Should Jacobs and Mitchell follow Berman's advice - which seems likely - the vacant belt will probably be contested by the two leading contenders - Irvin Buhlalu and Isaac Hlatshwayo.
It could also bring Mpuma-langa's Lawrence Ngobeni into the picture. Although he holds the national junior welterweight belt, Ngobeni, a natural lightweight, lodged a challenge for the lightweight belt two years ago.
It was approved in principle, with one proviso: he should defend his junior welterweight belt once more. He did that by beating Lucky Lewele in August last year.