Christmas came early for Free State’s world-class featherweight Lerato “Lights Out” Dlamini, who received the news that he will be challenging Angelo Leo for the IBF Featherweight Championship of the World on February 21, 2026, in New Mexico, USA.
Dlamini, who will be the first fighter from the Free State to challenge for a legitimate world title in South African boxing, was extremely overjoyed about this contest.
“I feel very ecstatic! This is something I have been working towards. After 10 years as a professional, I am finally getting a shot at a legitimate world title,” said Dlamini.
When asked how ready he is, Dlamini was quick to respond: “I am more than ready… I am less than 4 months away from being a world champion,” he said confidently.
This comes as a surprise for South African boxing, as Dlamini fought earlier this year and was scheduled to fight at the upcoming Boxing event on November 15, titled “REACHING FOR THE STARS,” which headlines the return of former two-time world junior flyweight champion Sivenathi “The Special One” Nontshinga at The Box Camp in Booysens, Johannesburg.
Colin Nathan, the manager of Dlamini and director of NO DOUBT Management, said that this deal was brokered with a longtime friend, Sampson Lewkowicz, from Sampson Boxing Promotions. Lewkowicz is a legend in the industry, having worked with several major world champions in the past and more recently managing superstar WBC Light Heavyweight champion David Benavidez and WBC Super Welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora.
“Sampson and I go way back, and when he called me to ask if we were prepared and wanted a voluntary shot at the world title against Leo, I said yes to the contest right away.”
This is another amazing result for Nathan’s management company, which is head and shoulders above the rest in the South African boxing market, producing and navigating major and credible opportunities for the fighters he represents.
The fight will be promoted by ProBox Television, as confirmed by their CEO, Daniel Rubin, another close friend of Nathan’s.
