Duncan Village boxing star Azinga Fuzile begins his quest to return to the world ratings when he takes on Namibian opponent Sebastianus Natanael in a junior lightweight bout at East London’s Orient Theatre on August 25.
The fight, jointly promoted by KayB Promotions and Last Born Promotions, will be streamed live by Viva Nations TV, owned by Arena Holdings.
Arena Holdings group content officer Bongani Siqoko said the company was excited to be part of Fuzile’s revival, with the boxer having proved his international pedigree in bouts streamed by global streaming giant DAZN.
“It is unique that Azinga’s fight will again be on another streaming platform and there is no better way than Viva Nations TV,” he said.
Fuzile, known as “Golden Boy”, lost his IBF title challenge to Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa in a fight streamed live on DAZN in November 2021, having earlier made an appearance on the channel when he knocked out Englishman Martin Ward in a title eliminator.
The southpaw initially planned to make his ring return against an opponent from either Mexico, Argentina or the Philippines in his quest to reclimb the world ratings.
However, due to several factors, including the expense of bringing in a foe from abroad, the organisers decided to look closer to home.
Fuzile’s manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, said world sanctioning bodies had promised to rate him if he beat Natanael.
“Azinga already has international credentials so it will not be difficult for him to break into the world ratings again,” he said.
“The IBF, WBO and WBC have committed to rating him if he wins this bout.”
It will be the third time in a row Fuzile has fought an opponent from Africa since losing to Ogawa, having knocked out Malawian Romero Makwakwa and then Tanzanian Emmanuel Amos in his last bout in Sada in December.
Though his last two opponents were easy pickings, Natanael will present the Duncan Village star with plenty of challenges, having lost only four times in 21 bouts and scoring nine stoppages.
The 33-year-old, who goes by the “Iron Fist” moniker, is on a three-fight winning streak since suffering back-to-back losses to Ghanaian John Laryngeal and Steven Bagwasi of Botswana.
Having held a slew of regional titles, Natanael will be visiting SA for the second time since suffering a split decision loss to Sibusiso Zingange in 2019.
Tengimfene said the sanctioning bodies were satisfied with the credentials of the Namibian as an opponent to help Fuzile return to the world ratings.
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