Waiting is over for Fuzile as he moves up a division

25 July 2018 - 11:10
By Bongani Magasela
Azinga Fuzile looks confident ahead of his title fight against current ABU featherweight champion Nigerian  Waidi
Azinga Fuzile looks confident ahead of his title fight against current ABU featherweight champion Nigerian Waidi "Skoro" Usman, on Sunday. / SIBONGILE NGALWA

The long wait for the hotly anticipated debut by Azinga "Golden Boy" Fuzile in the junior lightweight division is over.

The sensational former SA, WBC Youth and IBF Continental featherweight undefeated champion announced in April that he was moving up a weight division.

The 22-year-old will finally debut in the new weight class against current African Boxing Union featherweight champion Waidi "Skoro" Usman, of Nigeria, on Sunday.

Fuzile and the Nigerian will contest for the vacant IBF Continental Africa junior lightweight title.

Their fight is the main bout of Rumble Africa Promotions bill that will be staged by promoter Thembalethu Ntuthu at Orient Theatre in East London.

That is the same venue where Ntuthu staged Fuzile's first fight in the professional ranks in 2014.

Usman has suffered only two losses in 14 bouts, while Fuzile is undefeated after
10 fights.

The South African, who is guided by trainer Mzamo "Chief" Njekanye in Duncan Village, East London, has defeated accomplished warriors including international campaigners such as Tshifhiwa "Atomic Spider" Munyai and Mabhuti "Macman" Sinyabi.

Fuzile has already been recognised by the IBF's ratings committee with a No 15 spot in the junior lightweight class.

"There is no way we will lose because we are aiming higher and higher. If he has never been punished before, he's gonna get it big time," vowed Njekanye.

In the main supporting bout, Phila Mpontshana will make a long overdue second defence of his SA junior lightweight title against Koos Sibiya, while Xolisa Magusha and Ayanda Ndulani will battle it out for the vacant ABU mini flyweight title.

Khanyile Bulana and Tello Dithebe will fight for the vacant SA featherweight title.

Action will begin at 2pm.