Boxing trio can’t chicken out

Stakes high for Hobyane, Nqotole and Nogogo

Renson Hobyane, Sikho Nqothole and Uyanda Nogogo – who are best described as spring chickens for promoter Ayanda Matiti – cannot afford to lose their fights at Turffontein Racecourse, Johannesburg tomorrow evening.

At stake is their participation in the super championship tournaments staged by Matiti in July and September, the Eastern Cape-based promoter warned yesterday.

Hobyane, from Limpopo, will fight against Nigerian Christian Okeke in the super middleweight class, while Nqothole from Mdantsane has been pitted against Sandile Kukame in the junior bantamweight class. Nogogo, also from Mdantsane, will take on Faraday Mukondila from Congo in the junior welterweight division.

Matiti said Hobyane, Nqothole and Nogogo should be in action on July 28 and will feature when Gideon Buthelezi defends his IBO junior bantamweight belt in September.

“I am trying to position these guys for world championship fights,” said Matiti, adding that his Xaba Promotions and Events is receiving invitations from around the globe for local fighters.

“I went to the IBF convection recently to pave the way for young South African fighters and I am happy that attending these conventions is bearing fruit.”

Matiti’s tournament tomorrow will be part of the June 16 celebrations.

Mzonke Fana’s defence of his SA lightweight belt against Thompson Mokwana will top the programme.