Big Daddy out to reclaim belt
Osborne promises Silinga knockout
Osborne “Big Daddy” Machimana has predicted a knockout win against Justice “Venda Viper” Silinga when they collide for the vacant SA heavyweight title on Friday night.
Machimana and Silinga, both from Limpopo, will meet at Dr Molemela Indoor Sports Centre in Mangaung. The bout forms part of Free State promoter Lebo Mahoko’s tournament at the annual Macufe Festival in Bloemfontein.
“I will regain my title with a knockout – the same thing I did when I won it from Anton Nel in May,” said Machimana, who vacated the national title under duress from Boxing SA (BSA) in April.
Machimana, 39, – who is trained by former six times world champion Cassius Baloyi – came under pressure from BSA’s championship committee to either defend or be stripped. He vacated the title, went to China where he suffered a first-round stoppage loss to Jun Long Zhang in July. Machimana said he avoided defending the title against Silinga because he did not want to destroy him.
“They kept calling my name and I have answered. Let us see who is the boss,” warned the 34-bout veteran who has been around since 2000.
Silinga, 34, is trained by Kenny Ma bunda in Balfour.
“I know that Osborne wants to reclaim his belt but I also want to win in my first attempt, so expect war. He is a veteran, I respect him but I am young, determined and hungry for glory,” Silinga said
In other fights, Smangele “Smash” Hadebe and Mellissa “Honey Bee” Miller will meet for the vacant SA bantamweight female belt, while France “Fighting Time” Ramabolu will oppose Mziwoxolo Ndwayana for the vacant WBF International junior middleweight championship.
Khayeni Hlungwane and Christian Okeke will meet in a light heavyweight fight over eight rounds.
Action begins at 7pm.
‘ ‘ I respect him but I’m young, determined and hungry