Jack Asis vs Malcolm Klassen rescheduled for August 5th

Australia based-Filipino Jack "Assassin" Asis (35-18,5) first title defense of his IBO Superfeatherweight world title against former world champion Malcolm Klassen (32-6-2,17) has been rescheduled for August 5th at the same venue at Emerald Casino, Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng S.Africa.

The Asis-Klassen fight was originally for July 29th, then was postponed due to request of team Asis to change the officials to become neutral for both fighters. The IBO President Ed Levine granted the request of team Asis and changed the referee for the fight. Originally South African referee Tony Nyangiwe was appointed as the referee then it was change to Englishman Terry O’Connor due to request of camp of Asis.

The judges are Germany’s Artur Ellensohn, Ghana’s Eddie Pappoe and Dave Paris from the United Kingdom.

“This is a world title fight on a big international card being broadcast to an international audience,” said Smith. 

“So I felt it deserved neutral judges and a neutral referee, that’s why I requested a change of referee,” 

“I want to make it very clear this is nothing personal against Tony Nyangiwe. He’s highly respected, but I just felt with a South African boxer fighting in South Africa there shouldn’t be a South African referee or judge involved.”

 “I’m sure Klassen’s camp wouldn’t be comfortable if it was an Australian, or a Filipino for that matter, as an official. We have a completely neutral mix now with officials from United Kingdom, Germany and Ghana,”

 “I want to thank Ed Levine and the IBO for firstly listening to my concerns and secondly actioning change.” “This is for a world title, there is a lot at stake for both Jack and Malcolm.”

said Asis' trainer/manager Brendon Smith in his interview with Ausboxing.