Mthatha ring dynamo will face biggest challenge yet
HE may be unknown to the boxing scene partly because of his novice status but Solwethu Sithupha is determined to introduce himself with a bang.
The Mthatha boxer, 26, will get the biggest fight of his short career when he faces knockout orientated Xolisa Magusha for the provincial mini-flyweight crown.
The fight, organised by Isizwe Promotions and to be held at the Willowvale Indoor Centre tomorrow, is funded by Mbashe Municipality.
It will be the first time a boxing event is held at the venue where Mzwanale Kopolo died.
Kopolo had suffered injuries in his fight against Siphenathi Qambi two years ago.
Sithupha is relatively unknown even in his Mthatha boxing circles, having fought just four times winning all but one.
He is one of two professional boxers training at Hooks Derby – a boxing club in Mthatha – the other being Siseko “Majayivana” Makeleni.
Makeleni, a bright prospect, is on the rebound after going astray following his defeat by Zama Zokhwe.
Since joining the club managed by Nkenke Dunjwa, he has shown signs of returning to his best having captured the provincial junior-lightweight belt.
Now Sithupha wants to add one more title in the relatively new club.
Dunjwa has no illusions about the job at hand against Magusha.
“We know Magusha will come looking for a knockout and we are prepared for that,” said Dunjwa.
Sithupha will be fighting under Dunjwa’s tutelage for the first time having left Andile Skenjana under whom he had all his four fights.
However the duo worked together when Sithupha was an amateur boxer.
“I know him well because I worked with him at the amateur ranks,” said Dunjwa.
Dunjwa said that a win by his charge will help announce his arrival on the professional boxing scene.
Magusha is training at Eyethu, the boxing club to legend and ailing promoter Mzi Mnguni.
He will be looking to rebound from the loss he suffered in his last bout against Deejay Kriel. Kriel pipped him on points to mark just the second loss. — Boxing Mecca