Nhlanhla Tyirha’s camp has denied reports that he was undecided on the division he wants to compete in after accepting a bout on his ring return in the catchweight.
The Mdantsane southpaw will face Tanzanian Sunday Kiwale at East London’s Orient Theatre on August 31.
Tyirha last fought in April when he lost a debatable split decision to Beaven Sibanda in a junior-flyweight bout.
The bout came a week after he beat Phumlani Maloni in a mini-flyweight clash, snapping eight months of inactivity since his revenge victory over Malawian George Kandulo in a junior-flyweight rematch.
While he has been juggling between the mini-flyweight and junior-flyweight divisions, his new team, led by Mzamo “Chief” Njekanye, insisted the left-hander would stick to the mini-flyweight.
“The Tanzanians requested the bout to be competed at catchweight; otherwise, we wanted it in the mini-flyweight,” he said.
The catchweight is a compromise weight for boxers who are unable to compete in a division.
It is often due to one of them weighing more than the opponent.
While Kiwale, 40, has been fighting in the mini-flyweight division, his age could have influenced him to request the fight at catchweight.
The Tanzanian has suffered almost the same number of losses as wins, having lost 18 bouts with 20 wins and five draws.
Though he loses almost every second bout, he is coming off a second-round victory over compatriot Herman Shekivuli, who came into the fight with 10 losses and as many wins.
Tyirha, whose loss to Sibanda was his third in 13 bouts, is on a mission to reclaim his glory, which was shattered by Kandulo with a six-round knockout when he was on the cusp of challenging for a world title.
Though he avenged the loss, he is yet to return to the boxing summit amid stable-hopping antics.
Njekanye said the 25-year-old needed to return to winning ways after the controversial Sibanda loss.
“Besides keeping him active, sometimes you need these kinds of bouts to boost confidence and inculcate that winning mentality.”
Tyirha burst onto the scene by setting an SA-record-equalling feat of winning the national title within six months of turning professional.
He knocked out Bogani Silila for the SA junior-flyweight title in his fourth professional bout in December 2018.
He was touted as the next big star juxtaposed with rival Sive Nontshinga to conquer the world.
Nontshinga went on to win two world titles while Tyirha’s career nosedived amid a slew of factors.
Njekanye said the NU7 Mdantsane product, who will have his third fight under his wing, was still capable of achieving big things in the sport, owing to his age.
“Age is still on his side to achieve what was expected of him, and his commitment to his craft bodes well for his future.”
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.