Run for cover, here come the young ring dynamos
THEY have a combined record of five fights and have only started to fight for pay this year but already opponents are scurrying for cover at the mere mention of their names.
That is the reputation Sikho Nqothole and Uyanda Nogogo are commanding in boxing circles in their junior-bantamweight and welterweight divisions respectively.
Having dispatched their opponents in Johannesburg last weekend when Mthatha-born Nqothole registered his third knockout win in as a many fights while Nogogo moved to his second win, it has become difficult for them to secure opponents than fighting them in the ring.
Nogogo made his professional debut after a stellar amateur career loaded with trophies, when he blew away Gcobani Zweni in one round, with Nqothole doing likewise when he dispatched Michael Daries in two rounds at the same show.
It was Nqothole’s second fight and last weekend he returned to action to halt Sandile Kukame in four rounds, while Nogogo went the distance before eking out a unanimous decision win over DRC-born Faraday Makwandile.
Now the boxers’ promoter Xaba Promotions and Events (XPE) is on the fast lane to bring them back again on July 28 in a tournament set to celebrate the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
“But we are struggling to find opponents for them, with no one prepared to risk their boxers,” XPE boss Ayanda Matiti said.
Boxers who reportedly shied away from the encounters include former SA junior-flyweight champion and veteran Mfundo Gwayana, who flatly turned down a fight against the three fights novice Nqothole.
Nogogo did not have any luck either, as former SA junior-welterweight title challenger Anelisa Gungqisa also ran for dear life at the mention of the bout.
Matiti has vowed to make sure his two dynamos, part of his proclaimed “XEP Spring Chickens”, will feature in the world-class tournament.
This is because the pair will be steered towards regional titles next year before being let loose onto the world stage.
“We have plans for them and if we will have to look beyond the country to secure their opponents we will do just that.”