Silila irked by ‘has-been’ jibes
Bongani Silila does not understand why he is seen as a veteran despite being only 31 years old.
“It is probably because I am fighting a youngster and when people compare us they classify me as a has-been,” he said.
The SA junior-flyweight champion will risk his title against 19-year-old challenger Ntlantla Tyirha in a fight which may equal a 69-year-old record set by Vic Toweel in 1949.
Tyirha has fought just three times in a professional career which started in June.
Should he dethrone Silila in this battle of left-handers, he will equal Toweel’s record of winning a national title in only his fourth professional fight.
Duncan Village star Azinga Fuzile came close to equalling the record when he dethroned Macbute Sinyabi in his fifth professional fight.
The stage is set for Tyirha in this Xaba Promotions show and that has not been lost on Silila, who is renowned for never shying away from ring wars.
He was not forced to face Tyirha, although one could argue that he was only given two names to choose from.
“We gave Silila either Joyi (Nkosinathi) or Tyirha, and at first he opted for Joyi but later changed to Tyirha,” said XP boss Ayanda Matiti.
“Had he chosen Joyi we would have organised the fight for the ABU title and probably got Tyirha to face e Mpho Seforo for the vacant title.”
The idea of vacating his title to avoid Tyirha did not appeal to Silila, and after long consideration he decided to take on the unbeaten youngster.
But the scenario did not go down well with him and that was evident at the midweek premedical of the fight and his refusal to partake in a radio interview ahead of the fight.
“I see that everyone sees me losing this fight but I am afraid that will not happen,” said Silila.
Silila has now assumed the role of veteran regarded as ready to give way to an emerging star, as was the case for him when he had to unseat NU7 Mdantsane veteran Mfundo Gwayana.
Ironically Tyirha also hails from the unit. But Silila is not ready to pass on the torch.
The duo has a common opponent in Luyanda Nkwanka, who first fought to a draw against Silila before Silila stopped him in 10 rounds of a fight he was trailing on points.
Tyirha went life and death with Nkwankwa in his last bout before escaping with a highly debatable points nod.