NCITA ROLLS WITH THE PUNCHES OVER SIYO
BOXING trainer Welcome “Hawk” Ncita blatantly refuses to be drawn into verbal sparring with his opposite number Colin “Nomakanjani” Nathan.
This after Nathan made unsavoury remarks regarding Ncita’s involvement in the corner of Siyabonga Siyo, who will oppose Nathan’s Hekkie Budler for a vacant WBA Pan African belt at Emperors Palace next month.
Nathan said he didn’t care “even if the management of Siyo was to exhume legendary American trainers Angelo Dundee and Emmanuel Steward to assist Ncita in the corner because there is no way that Siyo will beat Hekkie”.
“I have never allowed myself to be involved in petty talks, and I don’t intend to begin to do that now,” said Ncita.
“It has never been in my DNA to shoot my mouth off because boxing is a very unpredictable sport. Look, it is simple, I was trained by the greatest including Emmanuel Steward who never wasted energy by talking but instead delivered results inside the ring.
“One thing I am prepared to say and that is fans will get real value for their money in the fight involving Siyo. Whether he will win the bout or lose, just book a ticket and be at Emperors Palace to bear testimony regarding my influence in training a fighter.”
Siyo last fought when he lost to Budler’s stablemate Simpiwe Konkco for the vacant IBO mini flyweight belt in October.
In that fight, Siyo’s corner was manned by Mhikiza Myekeni (former world champion), Miniyakhe Sityatha (former SA champion) and seasoned award-winning trainer Lennox Mpulampula. Siyo’s promoter Andile Sidinile has since listed the services of Ncita.
Sidinile said Ncita will train all the boxers who are promoted by his Sijuta Promotions. Ncita began doing that with IBO bantamweight female boxer Sharrodene Fortuin who outpointed Brazilian Simone da Silva in East London last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Golden Gloves boss Rodney Berman has included a rematch between Nyelisani Thagambega and Deejay Kriel in the Emperors line-up.
Kevin Lerena and Dane Mickie Nielsen will headline the October 22 bill with the final of the Cruiserweight Super four.