Big chance for Ncisane to show what he can do

NKOSINATHI Joyi’s decision to forego the chance to challenge Deejay Kriel has benefited Uitenhageborn boxer Siphosethu Ncisane.

Joyi was scheduled to face Kriel for the latter’s WBC Silver mini-flyweight crown at Emperors Palace on October 21. It would have formed part of the Featherweight Super Four featuring two East London boxers in Azinga Fuzile and Simpiwe Vetyeka.

Fuzile will oppose Tshifiwa Munyai while Mdantsane’s Vetyeka will collide with Lerato Dlamini.

Joyi, who last fought when he lost to Simpiwe Konkco in a bid to regain the IBO mini-flyweight crown, turned down the fight against Kriel citing short notice.

This has opened a way from Ncisane. who hails from the Uitenhage region, renowned for producing fine boxers in the lighter division such as one Vuyani Nene.

Nene’s nephew the late Mthuthuzeli also hailed from the boxing talent rich region.

Ncisane has already proven his mettle having lost just once in 10 bouts including a victory over current provincial champion Xolisa Magusha whose last bout was a loss to Kriel. Fight promoter Rodney Berman confirmed that Ncisane has agreed to take the fight.

“This will be a major opportunity for Ncisane to showcase his talent in front of a big audience,” he said.

Kriel was due to defend his WBC International mini-flyweight crown against his local rival at Emperors Palace but now the bout against Ncisane has been reduced to a 10rounder.

Meanwhile, promoter Rodney Berman, still stewing over the hatchet job done on Hekkie Budler at this weekend, has promised not to leave him in the cold. He isn’t hanging about waiting for the IBF to do anything about the absurd officiating, preferring to throw his lot in with the WBC.

Next week Golden Gloves will attend the WBC Convention in Azerbaijan and top of the agenda will be a lofty ranking for Budler. “I’m confident of doing so,” said Berman, committing to giving Budler a spot on a February bill at Emperors Palace. His intention, as a first step, is to have Budler contest one of the WBC’s secondary belts before going full-tilt later in 2018. — Boxing Mecca