A new era in boxing dawned in September last year when an unknown boxing golden boy Azinga Fuzile burst into the scene.
This when he came on the backdrop of four fights inexperience to dethrone favoured Macbute Sinyabi in a tournament organised by Xaba Promotions and Events (XPE).
And again this September, XPE has vowed to unearth another gem when it organises a tournament aimed at celebrating heritage month.
“We are happy for playing a part in helping Fuzile to come out of the shadows and make a name for himself,” XPE boss Ayanda Matiti said.
“Admittedly he ended the career of one of Mdantsane’s boxing heroes when he beat Sinyabi but we have never been reluctant to help facilitate the careers of local boxers even if they do not belong to XPE.”
Indeed XPE is still getting a flak for matching Sinyabi against the rising yet unknown star.
This is due to Sinyabi’s cross-over appeal supplemented by his eloquence that used to leave even boxing fans enthralled.
Keeping up with the norm XPE will again stage a mouthwatering bout to celebrate heritage month when former world champion Lusanda Komanisi finally makes his debut under the promotional outfit.
Having dropped out of the vaunted Featherweight Super 4 (S4) despite playing a role to incept it, Komanisi will instead take a route towards fulfilling his world title shot ambition when he fights for the WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt.
An IBO title holder – a crown he lost in the boardroom due to inactivity, Komanisi is still getting slammed in certain boxing circles for proposing the S4 only to chicken out when all other boxers including Fuzile have officially confirmed participation.
Other S4 contenders are former world champion Simpiwe Vetyeka whom Komanisi publicly challenged, rising star Lerato Dlamini and Tshifhiwa Munyai.
The series is scheduled to be held on October 21 at Emperors Palace.
Komanisi may come to rue his decision not to participate in the S4 if he loses to Tepora who is yet to taste a loss in 20 bouts scoring 15 stoppages.
Tepora holds the WBO Oriental and Pacific title and he is described as one of the Philippines best kept secrets.
“Komanisi is taking a shortcut to the top after he was subjected to unfair treatment and ended up losing his IBO title,” said Matiti who reconciled with the boxer after their public spat.
Matiti unearthed Komanisi as a youngster and gave him his first professional bout only for the boxer to leave.
But after struggling to get action following stints under the late Nick Durandt who guided him to a SA and IBO title triumphs, the Mdantsane boxer returned begging for forgiveness.
There will be two other title bouts on the card with Lindile Tshemese defending his South African junior-bantamweight belt against Yanga Sigqibo, while Xolani Mcotheli will risk his newly acquired South African junior-welterweight crown against the hard-punching Gift Bholo.
Komanisi takes gamble against tough opponent
This when he came on the backdrop of four fights inexperience to dethrone favoured Macbute Sinyabi in a tournament organised by Xaba Promotions and Events (XPE).
And again this September, XPE has vowed to unearth another gem when it organises a tournament aimed at celebrating heritage month.
“We are happy for playing a part in helping Fuzile to come out of the shadows and make a name for himself,” XPE boss Ayanda Matiti said.
“Admittedly he ended the career of one of Mdantsane’s boxing heroes when he beat Sinyabi but we have never been reluctant to help facilitate the careers of local boxers even if they do not belong to XPE.”
Indeed XPE is still getting a flak for matching Sinyabi against the rising yet unknown star.
This is due to Sinyabi’s cross-over appeal supplemented by his eloquence that used to leave even boxing fans enthralled.
Keeping up with the norm XPE will again stage a mouthwatering bout to celebrate heritage month when former world champion Lusanda Komanisi finally makes his debut under the promotional outfit.
Having dropped out of the vaunted Featherweight Super 4 (S4) despite playing a role to incept it, Komanisi will instead take a route towards fulfilling his world title shot ambition when he fights for the WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt.
An IBO title holder – a crown he lost in the boardroom due to inactivity, Komanisi is still getting slammed in certain boxing circles for proposing the S4 only to chicken out when all other boxers including Fuzile have officially confirmed participation.
Other S4 contenders are former world champion Simpiwe Vetyeka whom Komanisi publicly challenged, rising star Lerato Dlamini and Tshifhiwa Munyai.
The series is scheduled to be held on October 21 at Emperors Palace.
Komanisi may come to rue his decision not to participate in the S4 if he loses to Tepora who is yet to taste a loss in 20 bouts scoring 15 stoppages.
Tepora holds the WBO Oriental and Pacific title and he is described as one of the Philippines best kept secrets.
“Komanisi is taking a shortcut to the top after he was subjected to unfair treatment and ended up losing his IBO title,” said Matiti who reconciled with the boxer after their public spat.
Matiti unearthed Komanisi as a youngster and gave him his first professional bout only for the boxer to leave.
But after struggling to get action following stints under the late Nick Durandt who guided him to a SA and IBO title triumphs, the Mdantsane boxer returned begging for forgiveness.
There will be two other title bouts on the card with Lindile Tshemese defending his South African junior-bantamweight belt against Yanga Sigqibo, while Xolani Mcotheli will risk his newly acquired South African junior-welterweight crown against the hard-punching Gift Bholo.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos