‘Lights Out’ Dlamini was scheduled to fight for the IBF World Championship on February 21, but the sanctioning body summoned the champion into another mandatory defence and Dlamini’s dream has been put on ice.

In an exclusive conversation with SABC Sport, Dlamini reveals that he has processed the disappointment with a blend of purpose and professional discipline.

"It really crushed me, but you know, things like this do happen in boxing... I’m looking forward to what this year brings. I’m currently number 5 in the IBF ratings, and I’m just close, man. Close to getting that world title shot.

"I stay hungry just by looking at what I have accomplished through boxing... and I also have a kid on the way now. So, that’s also a big motivation for me as well, for him to find out that his dad was a world champion.

"I was really looking forward to the fight. I was already in camp, you know, I spent money on camp, and then when the news came out that I'm no longer fighting for a world title, it really crushed me."

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Now back in training under the guidance of longtime manager and trainer Colin Nathan, Dlamini is preparing for a "warm-up" bout to maintain his activity, safeguard his rankings and to be at the top of his game when he finally gets to fight for his dream.

"Boxing is the only thing I do. The only thing that I like, so I'm still training. I'm currently just waiting for Colin to tell me about my next fight.

“I have to fight. See, I've been out for 10 months now, and that’s a long time, so I have to fight in order to keep my ratings."

Dlamini’s journey is fueled by a desire to make history as the first world champion from the Free State. Beyond national pride, his motivation has found a new anchor: he is an expectant father.

With 11 years in the professional ranks, he credits his longevity and success to a refined style and a disciplined attitude, but for now, Lerato Dlamini waits for the call and the opportunity to take someone’s lights out.

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