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Van Heerden in sparring mode, wishes Hatton luck for warm-up test

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor


IBO champion to scout next opponent

Welterweight world title holder Chris Van Heerden will be keeping an eye on February opponent Matthew Hatton’s October bout with Michael Lomax as the South African prepares for second defence of his IBO belt.

The 25 year-old is stepping up his preparation for a November warm-up himself, and will be an interested onlooker from afar as the ‘Magic Man’ attempts to get back to winning ways following his disappointing loss to Kell Brook in March.

“I just want to take the time to wish Hatton good luck with his next fight, before he faces off with the champ,” Van Heerden told World Boxing News.

“I am happy to say that I'm hard in training and mentally strong and fit. Thanks to Jesus for lifting me up and blessing me with the best coach out there in former heavyweight world challenger Peter Smith.

“I have sparing partners lining up to help me out, with former world champions in the ilk of Kaizer Mabuza (who destroyed Kendall Holt just to name one) as I am in sparing mode.

“We respect Hatton a lot and we know it’s going to be war on fight night and that's why we are leaving no room for error in the gym. We are studying Hatton’s fights and working on what will favour us in the fight.”

Hatton, 31, squares off against Lomax at Bowlers Exhibition Centre as part of the Dave Coldwell bill on October 12 knowing that a victory is a must if the challenge against Van Heerden is to be sealed for next year.

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