Big test for SWAG Best Boxer Commey in South Africa

27-Year-old unbeaten Ghanaian boxer and the reigning Commonwealth Lightweight Champion Richard Commey faces a big test of his career when he takes on South Africa's Sipho Taliwe at the Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng. .

With much effort coming from Golden Gloves’ recent tie-in with Sauerland Promotions, Commey will travel to South Africa as part of an exchange deal; the first under this exciting new arrangement.

A number of opponents were in the mix, but 33-year-old Taliwe ended up front of the queue and will test Commey's credentials come March 21.

According to Gloden Gloves.co.za, the former WBC International Junior Lightweight champion, Taliwe (22-4-1, 15 KOs) was largely inactive in 2014 – just one fight – but with defeats of Mzonke Fana and Jasper Seroka to his credit, is clearly among the continent’s elite lightweights.

Commey, who splits his time between the UK and Ghana, is a popular figure in UK boxing circles and is in top demand, sparring with the likes of Carl Frampton and Kevin Mitchell as well as Ghanaian former world welterweight champion, Joshua Clottey

He won the Commonwealth belt last year, dominating Gary Buckland over 12 rounds. He’s a big banger, with 17 KO’s in his 19 wins.

Promoter Rodney Berman said “This is exciting for two reasons. It’s the first step in our arrangement with Sauerland Promotions, plus it’s fun to be working with a fighter from Ghana where boxing is huge. This is the start of bigger and better things, and it’s a good addition to a great bill.

“There’s tremendous interest in the main event – Ryno Liebenberg against Tommy Oosthuizen – and the undercard is shaping up too. It’s a very encouraging way to start the year.”

He’s one of African boxing’s best-kept secrets, but that won’t be the case for long when Richard Commey fights on the “Stand and Deliver” bill on March 21 against South Africa's Sipho Taliwe at the Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng.

Having been named the best boxer of the year by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Commey is eager to prove a point and find ways to claim a world title.

His coach, Carl Lokko is very confident that he will win handsomely and state his claim for a bigger title in the near future.