Azinga Fuzile may have pulled out of the March 30 tournament at East London’s Orient Theatre, but the organisers are confident the event will still draw a full house.
Fuzile was scheduled to face Argentinian Walter Matias Leiva in the main bout of the tournament dubbed the “Southpaw Feast Festival”, but had to withdraw when he got a big offer to fight in Kazakhstan on April 5.
He will take on world-rated Sultan Zauberk in a WBA continental junior-lightweight title which will help him take a shortcut to a world-title shot if he wins.
Last Born Promotions (LBP) have elevated the vacant SA mini-flyweight title clash between Mthokozisi Ngxaka and Thami Luthuli to the main bout.
However, the decision not to replace Fuzile with a crowd-puller has been frowned upon, with detractors predicting a poorly- attended event as Ngxaka is yet to warm himself to casual boxing fans.
Ngxaka, who is from Mthatha but trains at the All Winners Boxing Club in Mdantsane, is on a comeback mission after going off the rails with back-to-back losses before rebounding to winning ways culminating in topping national ratings.
He will now battle for the SA mini-flyweight title relinquished by his former stablemate, Siyakholwa Kuse, but having not served as a card-carrier at a major show before, his drawing power is still unproven.
Luthuli, from KwaZulu-Natal but based in Johannesburg, is a dark horse despite his unbeaten record in seven bouts.
However, LBP’s Mla Tengimfene allayed fears, saying the tournament featured good, evenly- matched bouts.
“This is a good show stuffed with prospects so people must come in big numbers to see the next generation of boxing super stars,” he said.
One such bout which will likely steal the show is the vacant provincial featherweight title clash between unbeaten champion Bongani Fule and former title-holder Yamkela Phaliso.
Flyweight contender Theo Nxayiphi will also attempt to get back to winning ways after falling short in an SA title challenge to Nkosingiphile Sibisi when he takes on Nangamso Saba.
Tengimfene has been vigorously marketing the show on national radio platforms to sensitise boxing fans about its relevance.
Daily Dispatch
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.