World light-flyweight champion, Sivenathi Nontshinga claimed his title at just 23-year-old away from home for the first time with a - beyond his years - type performance over the undefeated Hector Flores Calixto in Mexico.
Purse bids had been called for the South African to defend his title against Regie Suganob, with a deadline set for end of this week. However, an agreement has been reached. Nontshinga (11-0, 9 KOs) spoke exclusively to ProBox TV News to break the news.
“Purse bids are over, the fight will be in South Africa.” Nontshinga declared. “I will be defending the title in my hometown on the 16th of June. I go back to my hometown of East London, near Johannesburg. We just got the news yesterday, and have a few venues to choose from.
Nontshinga will collide with Filipino, Suganob (13-0, 4 KOs) in his maiden world title defense.
“I’m expecting a good clean fight, you know.” Nontshinga continued his review. “Difference is now, is that I’m the champion. He’s a mandatory challenger, undefeated and will want to take the belt home to his people - just like I did. I know what to expect.
“I’m really looking to forward to performing infront of my people. This gives me a goal mentally, it especially motivates me that the fight will be here in South Africa. I want to push myself to the limit, I’m in beast-mode!”
South African boxing continually produces great fighters, but the great fights elude the nation. Moruti Mthalane’s flyweight world title victory over John Riel Casimero in 2011, being the last legitimate world title fight in South Africa.
“Nearly 15 years since South Africa had a world title fight.” Nontshinga stated. “I’ve got a great team with me, great guys like Moruti [Mthalane], Hekkie Budler and Deejay Kriel for sparring. I will be coming into that ring super fit and prepared.
“I’ve been at the gym for a year with Colin Nathan as my trainer. What a year it has been. I actually always wanted to train with Colin since I was 12-years-old, I text him at the time, he texted me back and told me - come to the gym and you will be a world champion. It’s exactly what has happened.”
Nonthshinga brings the world title back to his people in East London this summer, something the cities residents are clearly upbeat about.
“Everybody is excited bro.” He proudly added. “I’m telling you, they can’t wait! Constant messages and people ringing me with support, telling me they are coming, that they are going to pack the arena. I need make sure I look clean, and sharper than ever. I need to deliver when I step inside that ring.”