Azinga "Golden Boy" Fuzile looking to retain his IBF spot

05 April 2019 - 11:17
By Bongani Magasela
Azinga Fuzile, left, hits  Malcolm Klassen with a left at  Orient Theatre on Sunday.  / MARK ANDREWS/ Daily Dispatch
Image: MARK ANDREWS/ Daily Dispatch Azinga Fuzile, left, hits Malcolm Klassen with a left at Orient Theatre on Sunday. / MARK ANDREWS/ Daily Dispatch

While Azinga "Golden Boy" Fuzile, considered one of SA's brightest boxing prospects, will put his IBF International title on line against 34-fight Mexican veteran Romulo Koasicha, all eyes will be fixed firmly on the eagerly awaited rematch between Phila Mpontshana and Koos "The Last Great Warrior" Sibiya.

These bouts will be organised by Rumble Africa Promotions at Nangoza Jebe Hall in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Fuzile, who is undefeated in 13 unpaid fights, will also be looking to retain his No6 spot by the IBF.

Victory for this revered awkward hard-hitting 22-year-old left hander from Duncan Village, who is trained in Johannesburg by Colin Nathan, will improve his chances of challenging actual IBF champion Tevin Farmer from the US.

Koasicha is no pushover. He has fought top names, including feared Vasly Lomachenko, and he boasts massive experience which he gained from 210 rounds in the pro ranks. Koasicha was stopped once in his seven losses by Lomachenko for the WBO featherweight title.

The Mexican has 17 knockouts in 27 wins. But Fuzile has been to big fights against the likes of Malcolm Klassen and Tshifhiwa Munyai but he came up tops.

Meanwhile, Mpontshana must prove that his victory against Sibiya in their first fight in July last year was not fixed.

Victory for the champion from Mdantsane was met by protest from the challenger's camp.

Ayabonga Sonjica and Asiphe Ntshili will fight for the vacant ABU regional junior featherweight title, while Sivenathi Nontshinga will welcome Benavides Calero Leyman from Nicaragua for the vacant IBF International junior flyweight strap.

There will be four more bouts in a tournament that will be staged in honour of late former multiple world champion Mzukisi "Laciar" Sikali who was killed in Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth, in 2005.

CEO of Rumble Africa Promotions Nomfesane Nyathela confirmed that action will be live on SuperSport from 2pm.

Meanwhile, former SA non-white lightweight champion Richard "Kid" Borias from Eldorado Park has died, his son Earl told Sowetan yesterday.

Earl said his 79-year-old father had been ill for a long time.

Borais, who fought many top names, including Enoch Nhlapo, Levi Madi, Jerry Moloi, Anthony Morodi and Norman Sekgapane retired in 1993 with 36 wins from 65 fights.