Boxing: Aloua looking for new opponent

David Aloua (left) fighting Monty Filimea in Hamilton in 2012. File photo / Christine Cornege

Kiwi cruiserweight boxer David Aloua needs a new opponent for the Super 8 fight night following the withdrawal of Australian Daniel Baff.

Aloua (11-1) was set to put his WBA Pan African title on the line on the North Shore on November 22 against Baff (16-2) who is ranked 12th in the WBA, one spot higher than Aloua.

But Baff has withdrawn due to a "viral condition" which has impacted his ability to train and the promoters may look to reschedule the bout for March.

Super 8 matchmaker Mark Keddell was caught by surprise by the news.

"Baff had seemed fit and healthy during the filming of the promotional videos claiming camp was right on track and training was going well. But before jumping to any conclusions, a fighter's health and fitness is our primary concern and we have requested independent medical tests to confirm the diagnosis," Keddell said.

"We are disappointed but there are contingencies which allow for this in our fight agreements and we are exercising these and have advised the camp that, if he can't fight, he is obliged to reschedule to a new date.

"Ideally this would be Super 8, March 2015, giving Daniel plenty of time to recover and the opportunity to defend his WBA ranking which currently sits one spot above David."

Keddell was eager to sidestep suggestions coming out of Australia that Baff was running scared from Aloua.

"It's just boxing, we have to follow due process, he missed his medical on Monday which has now been rescheduled, but we fully intend to make this fight happen as per Daniel's contract in the New Year," Keddell.

"In the meantime our focus shifts to finding a credible replacement. Fortunately we are well networked to the top cruiserweights in the region and are confident we can find an equally strong opponent for November 22."

Aloua wasn't bothered by the change and said he would fight whoever was put in front of him.

"I'm not interested in an easy opponent, I want to clean out my back yard and work my way further up the world rankings and push for a world title shot within 18 months."

This month's Super 8 fight night will be headlined by a clash between Shane Cameron and Kali Meehan for WBA Oceania heavyweight title.