ACCOMPLISHED boxing trainer Nick Durandt says IBO featherweight champion Lusanda Komanisi's performance against Philippino Roli Gasca at the Orient Theatre on December 15 will determine who is the better fighter between Komanisi and former IBO junior featherweight champion Thabo Sonjica.

Durandt, who trains Komanisi, is confident his charge will beat Gasca within the distance. Sonjica went 12 rounds with Gasca.

"Sonjica needed three attempts to beat Macbute Sinyabi. Sonjica also went 12 rounds with Roli Gasca but Komanisi knocked Sinyabi in the fifth round for the IBO featherweight title in July," said Durandt.

"I know my fighter will win the fight within the distance against Gasca.

"The manner in which he handles Gasca will determine who is the better boxer between Lusanda and Sonjica."

Sonjica forfeited the IBO junior featherweight title after failing to make the limit for his defence against Gasca at Emperors Palace on August 9.

Promoter Thembalethu Ntutu - whose Rumble Africa Promotions will stage its maiden tournament on December 15 - has matched Komanisi with Gasca.

Komanisi, who has chalked up 16 short-route wins in 17 victories against three losses, said: "I respect Gasca. He will give me the opportunity to show that I can also box. A knockout will be a bonus."

The tournament marks the return of Sipho "Tsunami" Taliwe, who last fought on December 6 last year when he failed to win the IBO lightweight belt against Daud Cino Yordan in Australia.

Taliwe will fight former SA lightweight champion Viwe Mdletyeni over eight rounds.

Ntutu has given the public the fight they want - the IBO Intercontinental mini-flyweight between Simphiwe Khonco and Nhlanhla Ngamntwini.