Silila in big gambit on return

BONGANI Silila will risk his SA junior-flyweight crown when he takes on a familiar foe in Luyanda Nkwankwa at a K K Promotions show at Mdantsane Indoor Centre on Sunday.

Silila will be returning to ring for the first time since his stoppage loss to Namibian Japhet Uutoni in Limpopo in April.

Never been considered a skilful boxer, Silila is one of those fighters who have to go the extra mile to achieve results.

His strength lies in applying excessive pressure but if a boxer uses his feet, he is often found wanting.

Since his defeat to Uutoni, he has benefited from sparring sessions with Nkosinathoi Joyi during his preparation for his IBO title clash against Simpiwe Konkco a fortnight ago.

When asked if he had recovered from the crushing defeat by Uutoni, Silila said: “Nkwankwa will find out the hard way”.

In Nkwankwa, Silila faces a beatable foe with Joyi already having provided him with a blueprint on how to handle the reluctant-to-engage boxer.

Joyi had an easy time with Nkwanka who refused to launch an offence and was only content to go the distance.

“I watched his fight against Mabere [Joyi] and he did nothing to worry me,” Silila continued.

While one would argue that Silila and Joyi are completely different boxers, the pendulum tends to swing towards the former due to his punching power and insane aggression. “Nkwankwa is going down.” Nkwankwa is one of those boxers who have more losses than wins. But fans will recall his close decision loss to Konkco for the SA mini-flyweight crown.

Since then he surprised among others Sibusiso Twani by outslugging him to take the vacant WBF crown in his only claim to fame in the game.

The fight will also feature the SA female flyweight title defence by Noxolo Makhanavu against Portia Nose of Port Elizabeth.

Makhanavu is sister to former SA flyweight champion Xola Sifama with her style modelled on that of her brother.

There will be three provincial title bouts on the menu.