Watch Sigqibo go with his remarkable finesse
In last year’s edition of the Nelson Mandela boxing birthday celebrations, Yanga Sigqibo was just a boxer trying to make a name for himself against a washed up veteran.
This when he introduced himself as a prospect at the expense of Mfundo Gwayana who he beat on points on July 28.
On Friday he will be one of the top boxers in the next edition of the event when he chases for a WBC international junior-bantamweight title against Filipino Rene Dacquel.
In between July last year and this year, Sigqibo has transformed from a little known prospect into a respected champion having already held, defended and vacated the SA junior-bantamweight title.
After using Gwayana as a springboard to introduce himself he went on to dethrone Lindile Tshemese for the national belt, retained it against Sabelo Ngebiyana before vacating it to chase for the first international title.
“He has been on a fast lane and if this follows the script next year he could be fighting for a world title,” said his promoter Ayanda Matiti of Xaba Promotions which will stage the fight.
A hugely technical boxer, Sigqibo hails from Duncan Village which is known as a breeding ground for boxing talent.
This has been reflected by his technical ability despite having fought just 12 times in the professional ranks.
He has shown attributes of toughness and ability to handle any style that comes his way.
He easily handled the power of Tshemese and the bum rushing boxing style of Ngebiyana.
“Sigqibo does not get flustered when confronted with a different boxing style like other boxers do. Trust me when I say I am not scared to throw him into the deep right now because I know he will swim.”
Already matching him against Dacquel is seen as a big step up in class for the young Duncan Village boxer.
The last time the Filipino visited these shores, he left local boxing fans stunned when he beat current SA flyweight champion Thembelani Nxoshe.
But he will find the Ben Mtyaliselo-trained boxer a different kettle of fish altogether.
A win for Sigqibo will earn him a rating in the top world bodies to set the tone for his quest for a world title shot next year.
His fight against Dacquel may have been serving as a supporting bout to Gideon Buthelezi who will defend his IBO junior-bantamweight crown against Argentinean Lucas Emanuel Fernandez Leone but there is not denying that he will be the main drawcard.
He already commands a following and the fact the fight will be held at International Convention Centre (ICC) which is a walking distance from Duncan Village will ensure that he enjoys a vociferous support.
If he follows the script he could be fighting for a world title