Eastern Cape boxing will finally explode into action in August with a slew of bouts topped by the possible addition of yet another world title.
After enduring a frustrating period of inactivity since the beginning of 2024, with the staging of only two major tournaments in the province, fight fans will enjoy the most activity of the year so far.
The action starts on Sunday next week and continues until the end of August.
Leading the pack will be a BBB Promotions show at East London’s Orient Theatre where Siyakholwa Kuse will make the first defence of his SA mini-flyweight belt against former stablemate Malakhi Sobolo.
The 10-bout tournament includes the long-awaited return of former SA junior-flyweight champion and world title contender Nhlanhla Tyirha, who is taking on Zimbabwean-born Ndabezinhle Phiri in a catchweight clash to end 13 months of inactivity.
Tyirha will be bidding to get his career back on track after suffering a stunning sixth-round knockout loss to journeyman George Kandulo in July 2023.
Amateur star Sinovuyo Mthintelwa will also introduce himself to the pro ranks with a junior bantamweight bout against Aphiwe Nxazonke.
Mthintelwa, who shares training duties with IBF world junior-flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga, is tipped to follow suit and win world honours.
A few weeks later, it will be the turn of Duncan Village’s Yanga Sigqibo to possibly bring yet another world title to the province when he challenges Ricardo Malajika for the IBO junior bantamweight crown at Emperors Palace on August 23.
Having already made inroads into the world boxing scene when he dropped a gutsy points decision to current WBO champion Kosei Tanaka, Sigqibo is favoured to dethrone Malajika, whose boxing exploits pale in comparison.
“Yanga understands that it is now or never for him to remain relevant and become a world champion,” said trainer Thembani Gopheni, who also trains Nontshinga.
“We have just finished a training session and I am happy with how he is looking ahead of this fight.
“He is exactly where I want him to be and mentally prepared.”
Two days later, the action returns to the Orient Theatre, courtesy of new promoter KayB Promotions, in association with Last Born Promotions.
The two companies will present the SA featherweight title defence by Zolisa Batyi against Yamkela Phaliso in what promises to be an explosive contest.
Batyi, from Nxarhuni, just outside Mdantsane, was in action when KayB Promotions made its debut in March in one of the only two major events this year.
He scored an eight-round stoppage of Lucky Hobyane and will be looking to do the same against the hard-punching Phaliso, who stunned Sange Ngoza with a third-round knockout to seize the provincial title before dealing with Itumeleng Tsholo in similar fashion in his last bout in December.
The event will also herald the return of fan favourite and former world title challenger Azinga Fuzile against an opponent who has yet to be confirmed.
The slew of bouts comes as a relief to award-winning matchmaker Luyanda Kana after he was inundated with calls from boxers asking for a chance to fight.
“At least tournaments are returning in droves now,” Kana said, after putting together bouts for the BBB Promotions show.
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