Joyi must prove he is up to task
While the local boxing fraternity is gripped by the anticipation of Zolani Tete fighting for three major world titles on April 27 in the US, one former world champion will also be engaging in a significant fight the following day here at home.
Tete will take on Nonito Donaire in a WBO , WBA and WBC diamond bantamweight title bout with the fight also serving as the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series at Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana.
On the following day Nkosinathi Joyi will face rising star Ntlantla Tyirha for the WBO Africa junior-flyweight crown at Orient Theatre. The fight to be organised by Xaba Promotions (XP) will mark the Freedom Day celebrations.
There will be two other titles on the day with the clash between Athi Dumezweni and Filipino Jonas Sultan for the WBC silver junior-bantam title being a highly anticipated one.
Two Gauteng-based boxers Jackson Chauke and Thabang Ramagole will battle for the vacant SA flyweight belt stripped from Thembelani Nxoshe for doping. But it is the local derby between Joyi and Tyirha that has set tongues wagging in boxing circles. At one stage Joyi was tipped to go far and emulate every boxer that once donned gloves in the country.
However he could not parlay his talent into big things with his ceiling being winning the IBF mini-flyweight title.
A victim of bad management, Joyi peaked while he was sitting at home being starved of displaying his talent in the ring.
Now he is being used as a stepping-stone for Tyirha who while talented cannot be compared to Joyi at his prime.
With Tete set to make history as the first boxer in the land to fight for three major world titles in one night, Joyi could have achieved more given his talent.
“We are confident that a star in Tyirha will continue to shine bright,” said XP boss Ayanda Matiti.