Linda Ximba
Bukiwe “Anaconda” Nonina is on a mission to make history by becoming the first South African female boxer to win the coveted World Boxing Council (WBC) belt.
South Africa has never had a champion holding a belt from a creditable sanctioning body like the WBC, World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organisation or the International Boxing Federation.
Three years ago Gabisile Tshabalala failed at her chance to make history when she challenged Catherine Phiri from Zambia for the WBC bantamweight belt at Government Complex in Lusaka.
Now that Nonina has claimed the African Boxing Union (ABU) belt with a hard-fought points win over Tanzanian Feriche Mashauri she has set her sights on the ultimate prize.
“The ABU is an affiliate of the WBC. I believe this win will earn me a rating. Maybe after two or three fights I’ll get my chance for a crack at this big title. I believe I have what it takes to make history,” said the North West born fighter.
Nonina is one of the talented boxers who needs that big break. She was Boxing SA’s 2016 and 2017 Female Boxer of the year.
She vacated the WBF bantamweight title in 2019 and was close to getting a chance at the IBF belt but those plans fell through.
TLP Boxing Promotions owner Joyce Kungoane was so impressed with Nonina that she has started engaging international promoters for more fights.
