By Linda Ximba
South African boxer Ayanda “Fireblows” Ndulani will enjoy home advantage when he clashes with Luis Castillo from Mexico.
The fight will give the winner the right to challenge WBC mini-flyweight champion Panya Pradabsri from the Philippines.
Eastern Cape-based Xaba Promotions and BXSTRS Promotions, which promotes Pradabsri, reached an agreement last week that the fight should take place in South Africa.
Ayanda Matiti, chair of the National Professional Boxing Promoters Association, told Scrolla.Africa that he punched the air with joy upon receiving a letter from the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman approving the sanctioning of the fight.
“This is a great moment for boxing in South Africa and we can only hope Ndulani takes full advantage of fighting at home. A win will steer him closer to becoming the WBC champ,” he said.
The politically connected Matiti said the Ndulani and Castillo duel will form part of a three-title championship tournament at the Durban International Convention Centre on 25 February.
Reigning SA junior welterweight king “Prince” Sibusiso Dlomo will make the fourth defence of his crown against Marcus “King Labamba” Lebogo.
Newly crowned junior bantamweight champion Landi “Man Don” Ngexke will also be in action in the IBO Intercontinental title fight against an opponent from the Philippines.
Ndulani will be under pressure to win against Castillo. It has been over 20 years since South Africa last produced a WBC champion.
Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela was the last boxer to clinch it after he defeated Britain’s Glen Catley in Brakpan, Gauteng in 2000.
Before him Thulani “Sugarboy” Malinga shocked the boxing pundits by beating Nigel “Dark Destroyer” Benn in England in 1995.
The only legitimate world champ South Africa boasts is Siviwe “Special One” Nontshinga, the reigning IBF junior flyweight title holder.
Pictured above: Ayanda Ndulani
Image source: Daily Dispatch
