(Sydney, Australia) – Reigning IBF super lightweight world champion Lovemore “Black Panther” Ndou is issuing the challenge and putting the boxing world on notice that he is ready to face Arturo “Thunder” Gatti.

“I understand that HBO, Gatti’s promoter Main Events and his manager are meeting this week to decide on his next opponent,” he said. “The only name they have to consider is Lovemore Ndou.”

Born in Transvaal, South Africa and now a citizen of Australia, 35 year-old Ndou (45 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, 30 knockouts) is currently rated No.4 by THE RING magazine at super lightweight.

“This fight will be about two warriors going toe to toe,” he said. “It will be a hell of a battle and all the fans live in the arena and watching at home on HBO will get their monies worth. Our styles suit each other perfectly. The fans will be asking for more. This fight will be such a great battle that this will end up being a trilogy.

“I have great respect for Arturo Gatti and what he has achieved. He is the people’s champion to the fans because of what he gives in the ring. If there were more fighters like him, boxing would be in much better health. You only have to look at the crowds he attracts to show what he means to his fans.”

Ndou says that HBO can do the sport of boxing a favor by making Gatti v Ndou.

“If the decision were solely up to Gatti, I know he would take the fight like a man,” said Ndou. “If HBO want to give the fans what they love to see, make this fight. I’m not a runner. I love to go toe to toe. We are very similar in that we enter the ring with only one goal in mind – victory.”