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Ntsiko forced to vacate title

ABDICATING: National minimumweight champion Siviwe Ntsiko
ABDICATING: National minimumweight champion Siviwe Ntsiko

SIVIWE Ntsiko's five-month reign as a South African minimumweight champion has come to an abrupt end due to medical reasons.

Ntsiko, who won the SA title after he dethroned Tshepo Lefele in the second round in Port Elizabeth last November, informed mother body Boxing South Africa about his decision to vacate the crown.

Boyboy Mpulampula, the chief trainer at Enothole Boxing Club in Mdantsane where Ntsiko trains, confirmed yesterday that the boxer had relinquished his title.

"Yes, it's true that Ntsiko has vacated the title because of medical reasons. That's all I can say," said Mpulampula.

The latest developments nearly floored promoter Xolani Jamani because Ntsiko was set to defend the title against Simphiwe Konco in Mthatha in Eastern Cape on Saturday.

Jamani has since agreed terms with number one-rated Bongani Mfundisi to face Konco.

"The tournament has been called off because of the unfortunate incident. I have since contracted Mfundisi to fight against Konco at a later date. I'm now waiting for Mfundisi's promoter, Mzimasi Mnguni, to advise us about when the boxer would be ready to fight for the title," said Jamani.

Ntsiko's medical condition was apparently detected during a medical check-up that is one of the requirements before boxers renew their licences.

Boxers, managers, trainers and promoters renew their licences between April 1 and 30 every year.

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