Thinumzi Gqola’s name may yet to resonate with boxing fans in East London, but the Duncan Village star is looking to launch his career on the biggest stage in Johannesburg when he challenges for the SA mini-flyweight title on Sunday.
Gqola will bid to topple Mthokozisi Ngxaka for the title at the Portuguese Hall in a bout pitting East London boxers against each other on foreign soil.
While Ngxaka has been preparing for the fight in Johannesburg for more than three weeks, Gqola will leave only this week, raising concerns about being affected by altitude.
However, his trainer, Ncedo Cecane, allayed such fears, saying his charge would leave early in the week to acclimatise.
“We wanted to leave on Monday, but the organisers say they are still trying to book us flights, so we are waiting for them,” he said.
Despite the hiccup, Gqola is so confident about becoming the new champion that he has arranged to bus his supporters from the Toilet City area in Duncan Village to the fight to create a vibey atmosphere to help propel him to victory.
“Gqola commands a big following in a particular Toilet City section, and they want to be there as it has been the case in all his fights,” Cecane said.
Gqola burst onto the scene when he knocked out previous title challenger Malakhi Sobolo in one round in March.
The fight was on the undercard of Ngxaka’s fourth-round stoppage over Thami Luthuli to claim the vacant title, with Gqola gaining sweet revenge on his debut loss to Sobolo.
Besides dropping a points decision to the provincial champion, Siphesihle Sityo, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a three-fight winning streak going into the title shot to stretch his fight record to four wins in six bouts.
Cecane, a former SA flyweight champion, admitted that Ngxaka, who also sports two losses and a draw in 12 bouts, was a step up in class, but insisted his charge would be equal to the task.
“Gqola has been with me for a while, and I know his strengths and weaknesses, and the hunger he has been showing in the gym will take him far.
“This boy wants his day in the sun and to use boxing to improve his life.
“He is the beacon of hope for Toilet City’s residents, and he knows that a victory will not only be his but of his fellow people.”
Like Ngxaka’s camp, Cecane lamented the fight being held in Johannesburg when both boxers were based in East London, where it would have drawn a full house and allowed them to enjoy a vociferous backing.
“Now, other factors such as altitude might decide the outcome of this fight, when at home it would have come down to their boxing ability.
“But what can we do when matters dictate for it to be held in Johannesburg?”
Gqola will fight for the second time in Johannesburg, where he beat Mthobile Qovile in December 2022.
Daily Dispatch
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