The KuGompo City boxing fraternity breathed a sigh of relief after Sivenathi Nontshinga escaped unharmed from a car crash on Monday, saving his upcoming world title eliminator in the Philippines.
Nontshinga was driving with his father, Thembani Gopheni, when they were involved in an accident in Johannesburg, just when the country is mourning the death of his role model, Zolani Tete.
The crash occurred as Nontshinga was busy preparing for the IBF junior flyweight title eliminator against Filipino Regie Suganob in Bohol on September 12.
He is in camp training at Colin Nathan’s HotBox Gymnasium in his quest to make SA boxing history by becoming a three-time world champion.
Nathan confirmed the accident but allayed fears of the incident jeopardising the upcoming fight.
“Sive is fine, and he did not suffer any injuries in the accident,” he said.
“The world title eliminator is still on as planned, and he is in high spirits.”
Several attempts to contact Gopheni drew a blank as he did not return messages.
Nontshinga was among those in the boxing community who sent tributes and condolences to Tete’s family after the two-time world champion was gunned down at his NU17 Mdantsane home on Friday.
Having trained with Tete at All Winners Boxing Club, he credited him for inspiring him to pursue his world title dream.
This was fulfilled when Nontshinga beat Mexican Hector Flores in September 2022 to win the IBF junior flyweight title.
After a successful title defence against Suganob in KuGompo City in July 2023, Nontshinga surrendered the belt with a second-round knockout upset to unheralded Adrian Curiel in Monte Carlo in November 2023, only to regain it three months later via a 10th-round revenge to become a two-time world champion.
He lost the belt to Masamichi Yabuki in a ninth-round stoppage in Japan in October 2024.
Nathan said Nontshinga was still motivated to land another title shot now held by Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.