Nathan confirmed this to SABC Sport yesterday, with Cafu scheduled to fight Tanaka in Tokyo, Japan, on 14 October 2024 – a dream come true for the Duncan Village-born boxer. who will be fighting in Japan for the first time.

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Nathan says Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions was instrumental in setting up this fight.

''When Phumelela joined me, he said to me he wants to fight for a world title. And I just said give us a few months, and I will work really hard to make this happen. And now we are in a position where there was a press release on the boxing scene. I sent that scene to Teiken Promotions and they gave us Honda and he said let's work together,'' said Nathan.

Cafu is unbeaten in 13 fights, with 10 wins – eight via stoppages, and three draws, and has won his last five fights on the trot, with WBO currently ranking him third in the junior-bantamweight category.

Nathan says global relations’ power was vital in securing this world title shot.

''So, it just shows the value of having relationships globally and having good relationships. I believe in building strong relationships in the boxing world. It is coming to fruition now, because my relationship with Teiken Promotions has resulted in Phumele achieving his dream,'' added Nathan.

Tanaka, 29, is a four-weight division world champion with 20 wins – 11 via knockouts, and only one loss, and Nathan, who is currently in Japan for Lerato Dlamini’s IBF title eliminator bout, is confident Cafu will come back victorious.

''I think our chances are really good, we are coming in as underdogs and the odds are against us but I'm fancying our chances for this fight,'' he concluded.

Cafu last fought in December last year, when he won the South African junior bantamweight title, knocking out Enathi Stelle in just 26 seconds in East London.

Nathan says the 26-year-old is over the moon with these latest developments.

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