Tete feels Nontshinga is the ‘Special One’ of SA boxing
Former champ helps rookie gear up for eliminator for crack at world title
Sivenathi Nontshinga is not called “Special One” for fun, concedes respected former two-weight world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete.
The nickname “Special One” is associated with Portuguese football manager José Mourinho, whose successes are as much as his controversies.
Nontshinga, a 22-year-old rookie who has gradually made an impact on the fight game, is undefeated after nine fights. His first professional bout was on July 30 2017.
He won the ABU junior-flyweight belt the following year. Nontshinga added the IBF International title to his collection in 2019. His second successful defence was in March last year.
All his opponents have failed to hear the bell going for the last round – they were knocked clean out. These attributes make him one of a kind.
Tete – who has held the IBF junior-bantam and WBO bantamweight belts – ran out of superlatives in describing what he saw last week when he visited Nontshinga in training for the IBF elimination fight against Christian Aranetta of the Philippines. The fight will take place at Boardwalk Casino in Gqeberha on April 24.
“Magic,” he said, “I mean superb. He is ready not only for Aranetta but any other boxer internationally. His camp has done great work.”
Tete was later approached to assist.
“It was just to tighten some screws. Like I said, from my observation, his team has closed all the gaps.”
Tete’s involvement comes in handy because he is a left-hander like Aranetta.
“Nontshinga wants to be a world champion. That is what drives him and he shows that by what he does in the gym.
“He does not get pushed to work, he’s driven by hunger. I am not saying all these wonderful things because I am helping somehow.
I mean, I saw his determination even before I was approached to assist. He’s special.”
Nontshinga is rated No 3, a spot above Aranetta, for the IBF junior-flyweight belt that is held by Felix Alvarado from Nicaragua.
The winner between him and Aranetta will earn the right to face Alvarado.
‘‘ He doesn’t get pushed to work, hunger drives him