SOME promoters would jump on an opportunity to have their fighters feature in an HBO televised bout as it means massive exposure for their charges.

And when such an opportunity involves fighting for a world title against one of the hottest prospects in the universe, accepting such a fight becomes no brainer.

Well, not so when top African promoter Branco Milenkovic is involved.

Milenkovic, who has developed a reputation of being one of the shrewdest promoters not only in the country but in the world, has refused to let his charge Kaizer Mabuza face top American prospect Victor Ortiz for the vacant IBF junior welterweight crown in an HBO televised fight on December 11.

Mabuza, an IBF mandatory challenger for the IBF crown held by another American youngster Devon Alexander, is expected to be in the driving seat when Alexander gets stripped of the crown for opting to face Timothy Bradley in a unification clash on January 29.

Alexander, who is promoted by one the top promoters in the business Don King, is refusing to grant Mabuza a challenge, opting to face WBO champion Bradley instead in a money spinning HBO televised unification bout.

The IBF has already warned him that he will be stripped of the crown if he goes ahead with the Bradley unification clash.

Milenkovic who won the purse bids for the Mabuza-Alexander promotional rights revealed that King has 48 hours to sign the contract for his charge failing which the IBF will take action against Alexander.

“I am doing things by the book here because I won the purse bids so I expect King to submit signed contracts for his fighter Alexander to fight my boxer Mabuza as per the rule of the IBF,” Milenkovic said.

While there were reports that should Alexander be stripped of his IBF crown, Mabuza will face the winner of Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse clash scheduled for November 6, Ortiz who is rated third has since emerged as likely foe for Mabuza.

But Milenkovic, who has enjoyed good relationships with Ortiz’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions since 2005, is considering promoting the fight himself in the country.

“If GBP wants to stage this fight I also want to stage it so the best way is to battle for it at the purse bids,” Milenkovic insisted.

Asked if accepting the GBP offer does not make a financial sense as he will unlikely to entice HBO to come to South Africa to televise the fight if he wins the purse bids, Milenkovic said he was looking at the bigger picture.

I know some people may think I am crazy not to accept GBP offer for Mabuza to face Ortiz but there are issues to be considered here and I am doing what is best for my fighter.”

Ortiz who is considered the most marketable young fighter in the boxing industry with just 22 years old is coming off a brutal third round knockout victory over former world champion Vivian Harris three weeks ago.

 Ortiz possesses a crossover appeal to casual boxing fans, which has boosted his marketability, making him an after sought opponent.

But Milenkovic is not falling over himself for the opportunity to let Mabuza face Ortiz.