Boxing: Masoe looks for last jab in big time

By PETER JESSUP

Maselino Masoe, 36 next month, still rates himself a contender for the big time and is looking for a significant victory over former South Pacific champ Epeli Naua in Auckland tonight.

Masoe and Naua both came in just under the 72.5kg limit for the 12-round middleweight contest, where the three-time Olympic representative for American Samoa will defend his Pan Asian Boxing Association belt.

Masoe plans to take time to settle in for the first couple of rounds but does not want the bout to progress much beyond that.

"I want one more chance at the best," he said.

His previous chance was piggy-backing on David Tua's campaign against Lennox Lewis, which fell flat with a loss in Mississippi.

"I still feel young and strong and I've still got the speed."

Masoe is ranked No 10 in the world by the WBA and wants to lift his rankings in the other, more "respectable" organisations, especially the WBC.

He does not drink or smoke and that, with his history at the Olympics and a pro-career of 21 wins (18 knockouts), are the components that make him a chance, says manager Mike Edwards.

Anthony Mundine is Masoe's desired opponent.

The big-mouthed Aussie commands more attention in the division but probably needs Masoe's PABA title if he wants to come back from the knockout by German champ Sven Ottke.