Souleymane M'baye is seeking a bout against the newest player in the 140-pound division, Vivian Harris. M'baye is rated number one by the WBA underneath the sanctioning body's "super" champion, Kostya Tszyu, and regular champion, Harris and he is hoping the WBA orders Harris to make a mandatory defence sooner rather than later.
"Souleymane is the best French prospect since Christophe Tiozzo," said Bernard Roos of MGC Promotion, M'baye's promoter. "He is fast, smart, charismatic and never underestimates opponents. He is a good stylist who can be very effective thanks to his precision." M'baye came to boxing after a successful career in kick boxing. So far, he has compiled a professional record of 26-0, 17 kos, and has defeated former WBA champ Khalid Rahilou to capture a regional WBA title. Roos reports that M'baye just returned from the United States, where he trained in Buddy McGirt's gym and sparred with the likes of Angel Manfredy, Sharmba Mitchell and Nate Campbell. M'baye also struck up a friendship with McGirt's French-speaking protege, Arturo Gatti.
The WBA has taken M'baye's request under advisement. "M'baye was scheduled to make a title defense before the end of the year. However with the new situation and as Vivian Harris was not the mandatory challenger, we need to confirm with the Championship Committee whether Mr. M'baye will make his [WBA International] title defence or directly challenge the new champion, Mr. Harris," said Juan Luis Torralba, chairman of the WBA-Europe.
While Harris is getting ready to visit his native Guyana next week, his promoter is considering the options. "If we are ordered to fight M'baye next, we will try and make the fight. If not, we will look for an optional defence," said Main Events vice-president Carl Moretti, who would much prefer to put his new star in with world champion Kostya Tszyu or Ricky Hatton. Tszyu is scheduled to face Jesse James Leija in January. (Fightnews.com)