Ngema locked and loaded for world title fight
EMPANGENI Boxing Gym's Tholumusa 'Mfundisi' Ngema will have to be at the top of his game when he squares off against Johannesburg brawler Thabo Bonokoane in a 10-round junior featherweight World Boxing Federation (WBF) title bout.
The two are set to exchange blows at the Mvelo Boxing Promotions tournament in the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on 24 October.
This event will be televised on Supersport, with the channel still to be confirmed.
'I have had loads of time to train for this fight owing to Covid-19 putting our sport on hold,' said Ngema.
'I am currently the fittest I have been in my career, and between all the video footage analyses, my team and I have a plan to knock out Thabo and bring the title back to Zululand.
'We have tweaked one or two things and focused a lot on footwork and speed to get the job done.'
Coach Skeleton Mngomezulu is positive ahead of the big fight and backs his fighter to deliver.
'Tholumusa is a smart fighter and a big hitter, so I believe we have played to his strengths and am confident enough that we are ready to get the job done,' said Mngomezulu.
Stablemate Bonelo 'EG' Nzimande is also on the card and will square off against Johannesburg's Marius Lebogo in a junior welterweight contest scheduled for eight rounds.
The two will go head-to-head for the African Boxing Union (ABU) title.
'We have been pushing the guys hard over the past few months, as we knew these big fights were on the cards,' explained Mngomezulu.
'Once again we analysed footage and have focused on key points of Bonelo’s strengths to ensure he is fully prepared for what Marius will throw at us.'
Nzimande said he is looking forward to getting back into the ring after the frustrating limbo forced upon him by Covid-19.
'I plan on going out fast and hard and getting the job done so we can bring back two titles to Zululand.'
Another local fighter who will be in action on the day Nduduzo 'Junior' Mzimela, who is scheduled to fight Johannesburg's Nkopane Mokoena in another junior featherweight elimination title fight.
This fight is scheduled for eight rounds and the winner will qualify to challenge for the SA title.