Filipino Regie Suganob has promised to put East London’s Sive Nontshinga on the canvas when they exchange blows in their IBF junior-lightweight title fight at the East London International Convention Centre on Sunday.
The Mdantsane City Mall came to a standstill on Thursday when defending champion Nontshinga and Suganob squared off for the first time in their premedical.
It was the first time they came face-to-face after the Filipino arrived with his team on Monday before the blockbuster title challenge against Nontshinga in the main event of Rumble Africa Promotions’ show, which is to be televised live on SuperSport.
Speaking at the premedical, with Nontshinga standing at the same height next to him, the 25-year-old Suganob, who is yet to taste a loss in 13 bouts with four stoppages, vowed that Nontshinga, who is unbeaten in 11 bouts, would be the latest addition to his knockout tally.
“He is a good fighter,” Suganob said.
“It will be a good contest on Sunday, but we have prepared well, me and my team.
“With every opportunity I get in the bout I will try to knock him out.
“Yes, he will have the home support, but we are not worried about that as long as we get a fair fight.”
It will be the first time a major world title fight is hosted in East London since Mdantsane veteran Nkosinathi Joyi beat Japanese Katsunari Takayama to retain his IBF mini-flyweight belt at the Orient Theatre in 2012.
Rumble Africa Promotions head Terris Ntutu urged supporters to come in numbers and witness history.
“It has been a very tough build-up with many challenges in terms of logistics. We are happy that we are finally going to be proceeding on Sunday,” he said.
“We are inviting every boxing fan to witness this important event because it is not often that East London gets to see a world title fight.
“Sive is the only legitimate world champion in SA and the people of EL must show that we are indeed the mecca of boxing.”
Two SA title bouts will feature as Ronald Malindi defends his SA bantamweight belt against Lusizo Manzana, while his Mthatha homeboy Bangile Nyangani will engage in a rematch against Siyakholwa Kuse with the SA mini-flyweight crown on the line.
Other bouts will see Sharedene Fortuin from Seymour engage in a fourth bout against Melissa Miller, with the SA female bantamweight title on the line.
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