The Herald (South Africa)

‘Special One’ pulling out all stops for world title eliminator

- Mesuli Zifo

East London boxer Sive “Special One” Nontshinga is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares for his first world title eliminator on April 25.

While he is grinding down in the gym for his biggest opportunit­y, his team are also spreading their tentacles to make sure his moment of truth happens seamlessly.

The charismati­c 22-year-old is already attracting funders, with no fewer than three coming to his aid in different capacities.

From accommodat­ion to cryptocurr­ency, Nontshinga will be fully prepared when he faces Filipino Christian Araneta for the IBF world junior-flyweight title eliminator in East London at a venue yet to be confirmed.

“Yes, Sive has entered into partnershi­ps with various companies to ensure that his world title fight goes smoothly,” the boxer’s manager, Siyanda Zingelwa, said.

One sponsor is clothing apparel company Shakatak, which will kit him out for his fight and pay him a fee.

Shakatak’s Donovan Whelan said they decided to assist Nontshinga because he would be putting East London on the map.

Cryptocurr­ency company Fox Nation have added their support to the Chicken Farm boxer with dietary requiremen­ts during his preparatio­n.

Owned by Neo Cheka, Lonwabo Fololo and Mziyanda Badi, Fox Nation have been yearning to join Nontshinga’s team.

“Sive is a local rising star with a bright future, so we did not hesitate to join him,” said the company.

And Nontshinga will not struggle when he needs to change camps by moving to Johannesbu­rg, as he will be accommodat­ed by Maoto Guesthouse, which also pays him a monthly stipend.

The boxer’s father, who is also his trainer, Themebi Gopheni, said the partners had made his son’s job of preparing for the biggest fight of his life much easier.

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