PE boxer to defend her title tomorrow

PORT Elizabeth’s Nozipho Bell will defend her national title when Boxing SA stages a women’s tournament at New Brighton’s Nangoza Jebe Hall tomorrow from 6pm.

The action-packed bill, coordinated by Aphile Boxing Promotions, will include six fights.

Home girl Bell, who is from Caiphus Ntante’s camp, will be defending her South African junior lightweight title for the second time.

She will come up against Sithandiwe Ngcobo of KwaZuluNatal in a 10-round bout.

Bell won the title from Nomampondomise Xhotyeni last year.

“Nozipho has constantly been in the gym and is amped for her fight. She recently signed her contract on January 12 and great things should follow from this,” excited coach Caiphus Ntante said.

“The team is looking to build from the match against Ngcobo because we are hoping for a world title fight by September.

“We do not take for granted any of the fights lined up as they are crucial in our campaign for that title.”

In the main supporting bout, Nonnie Tenge, of East London, faces off with Esther Mashiye, of Johannesburg, in a sixround fight for the Eastern Cape middleweight title.

Nthabiseng Didi will go toeto-toe with Portia Base, of Uitenhage, in an eight-round miniflyweight Eastern Cape title bout, while Sandisiwe Ngxongo will take on Babalwa Nonqonqotha for the Eastern Cape bantamweight crown.

Nomampondomise Xhotyeni fights Zizipho Kuza and Xoliswa Jonas clashes with Nothando Ndlovu for a six-round crack at the welterweight title.

Tournament coordinator and promoter Phindile Mbhele said: “We are looking forward to showcasing boxing at the highest level.

“We are hoping to change the minds of people who look down on female boxing.”

All the fighters are scheduled to weigh in at the Nangoza Jebe Hall today from 2pm.