Fuzile to face off against Mexican in Bay bout

With a world title shot ever so close, Duncan Village boxing phenomenon Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile knows the importance of taking each and every fight seriously.

Fuzile, 22, said as much in a news conference on Sunday to announce his next bout which will be held at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton on April 7.

This, when he will look to improve his sixth-spot IBF junior lightweight rating at the expense of the relatively unknown Mexican boxer Romulo Koasicha.

“I have only seen snippets of his video footage and he comes across as a typical Mexican boxer,” Fuzile said.

The bout will represent the first time Fuzile, who is now based in Johannesburg, fights in Port Elizabeth, which was once the boxing hotbed of South Africa.

The region produced legendary boxers such as the late Mzukisi Sikali, to whom the tournament is dedicated.

Sikali was as deft a left-hander as Fuzile, but the southpaw never saw him in action.

“He boxed before my time, but I hear stories about him being a great boxer,” Fuzile said.

Unbeaten in 13 bouts, Fuzile is now aiming at getting a shot at the world title with the IBF crown his likely target.

A fortnight ago, reigning IBF king and American Tevin Farmer retained the crown with a points nod over Jono Carroll.

Farmer, who took a dig at Fuzile when he was in Cape Town on vacation, is expected to vacate the title, paving the way for Fuzile to contest the crown in his very next bout if he beats the Mexican.

“I am taking each fight one at a time because I know looking too far ahead may make my goal go up in smoke.”

Rumble Africa Promotions, which will organise the Boxing Legacy Project event, promised to make their first foray in Port Elizabeth one to remember.

“Besides the top-class boxing action, we will also have musicians performing live,” RAP co-ordinator Nomfesane Nyathela said.

Other boxers to feature on the bill will include reigning SA junior lightweight champion Phila Mpontshane, who will have a rematch against Koos Sibiya following their first controversial fight in East London in July 2018.

At this fight, Mpontshane’s win was booed widely, and Sibiya filed a protest with Boxing SA over the outcome.

Rising star Sive Nontshinga will also be in action.