Young upstart to throw cat among the pigeons
THERE are differing opinions about the decision of Xaba Promotions and Events (XPE) to throw the young Bangile Nyangani against an experienced fighter like Siphamandla Baleni.
But this is what has actually happened after XPE boss Ayanda Matiti confirmed that Nyangani will challenge Baleni for the SA mini-flyweight crown at the ICC in East London on July 28.
The fight will form part of the birthday celebrations of former statesman Nelson Mandela through boxing whose rights are owned by XPE.
Nyangani has fought just four times twice against boxers who were making their professional debuts winning all and is yet to convince detractors that he is ready to take on a boxer like Baleni let alone challenge for the national title. In his last bout at the Orient Theatre against Sikho Moshani two months ago he was stretched to the limit even though Moshani took the fight at short notice and was also making his pro debut.
There is no denying the talent of the Mthatha-born boxer trained by Mthetho Dumezweni but Baleni who also hails from Mthatha is perceived to be too savvy and too experienced for him at this stage.
Baleni has lost just once in a hotly disputed decision against Siyabonga Soyo but rebounded in style to win the SA and IBO intercontinental miniflyweight titles.
After playing second fiddle to Simpiwe Konkco when they were both under the wing of Madoda “One More Time” Ndyonase he finally came out the shadows when Konkco left to join Colin Nathan in Johannesburg by succeeding him of his SA crown.
Among the boxers he has beaten