Gingqi determined to repeat amateur win in SA title bout
Mdantsane champ to defend featherweight crown in Johannesburg on Sunday
Kuse has rededicated himself to the sport and the environment he trains in has had a positive impact on him
Asanda Gingqi’s win over Jeff Magagane in their last amateur bout has emboldened him to repeat the performance when he defends his SA featherweight title at the Portuguese Hall in Johannesburg on Sunday.
The Mdantsane-based champion will be vying for the third defence of the title he won when he contested it against Abdul-aziz Kunert in September 2021.
Since becoming a champion after a stellar amateur career where he won several international championships, Gingqi has transferred his success to the professional ranks, going unbeaten in all his nine bouts.
So far he has warded off challenges from Sithembele Maduna and Zolisa Batyi in the space of three months — an activity which would make other national champions green with envy.
Already another title defence is planned for December but this hinges on permutations.
While he will return to Johannesburg for the first time since besting Kunert, Gingqi is unfazed by the challenges that often confront coastal boxers.
“Gingqi will only leave for Johannesburg on Friday so we do not anticipate any altitude problem for him,” trainer Khangelani Jack said.
Jack is already in Johannesburg where his other charge, Luvuyo Sizani, was scheduled to face Rowan Campbell in Sandton on Thursday evening.
The fight is set to serve as an undercard to the SA flyweight title clash between Jackson Chauke and Sinethemba Kotana.
Sunday’s show, to be televised by SABCTV and presented by TK Promotions, will also see the return of former SA mini-flyweight champion Siyakholwa Kuse, ending more than a year of inactivity since being dethroned by Bangile Nyangani in July 2021.
Kuse will face George Kandulo who is known for giving Siphamandla Baleni a tough fight in July before losing a points decision.
Nyangani, who was also scheduled to defend the title against Gaveni Nkwenteni on the Chauke-kotana co-feature, has enjoyed a good run since beating Kuse who temporarily went off the rails after the loss.
After a stint in Johannesburg, Kuse has returned home to join All Winners Boxing Club where he shares the training duties with former two-time world champion Zolani Tete.
His manager, Mla Tengimfene, has promised big things for his new recruit, who still commands a lofty ranking in the mini-flyweight division.
“All we want is to beat Kandulo, then we will take a step towards a rematch against Nyangani or whoever will be holding the title after Thursday evening,” Tengimfene said.
“Kuse has rededicated himself to the sport and the environment he trains in has had a positive impact on him.
“Remember, he trains with Zolani, Sinethemba Kotana, Phumlani Maloni, and so on, and all those boxers are hungry for success.”