Isaac “The Angel” Hlatswayo believes he is on the right track to winning the prestigious titles in boxing that he promised.

Hlatswayo, from Merve II near Malamulele, promised late last year that he would put South Africa on the world map by winning the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF championships before he retired from boxing.

He made this promise after his win in the IBO championship in the lightweight division by defeating his former hero, Cassius Baloyi, also from Malamulele.

Hlatswayo, 28, also beat former boxer Phillip “Time Bomb” Ndou, just before the latter’s early retirement because of a cyst.

Last Saturday morning, Hlatswayo defeated Nate Campbell in an IBF lightweight eliminator in the US. This means Hlatswayo can now challenge Jesus Chavez, the current champion. “Now believe I am on the right track to winning prestigious titles. Campbell is a respected boxer in the States, so this win has put me on the world map,” said Hlatswayo from his home in Johannesburg.

Although the most important fight might take place some time towards the end of the year, because of Chavez’s shoulder injury , Hlatswayo said he would wait until the right time comes.

Hlatswayo also dedicated his win to his late brother, Amos, who committed suicide last year, just before his fight against Baloyi. “Amos was my big fan and he inspired me a lot. He always told me I was a good boxer and he said I could beat the best in the world.

“Today I am doing well because of him and even before my fight against Campbell he came to me and gave some encouragement.”

Hlatswayo, who lived in the shadow of Ndou and Baloyi before he defeated them in the ring, said: “I am now ready to take over from these guys and become the best boxer ever to come from this province and country.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity to be given the respect I deserve and I am now ready to face the best in the world so that I can claim other titles like the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF.

“People must understand that no boxer from this country expected Sugarboy Malinga and Dingaan Thobela to win the WBC title and I am going to win it to add to these guys’ status,” said Hlatswayo.