Linda Ximba
Boxing enthusiasts will be holding their collective breaths when Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile takes on Englishman Martin Ward in an IBF junior lightweight eliminator in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.
South Africa took a body blow when Moruti Mthalane was dethroned of his IBF flyweight crown by Sunny Edwards nearly a month ago. Mthalane was the sole champion in one of four creditable sanctioning bodies.
Now the spotlight falls on Fuzile. Accompanied by his promoter Thembalethu Ntuthu and trainer Chief Njekanye, he left the country for the US on Sunday.
Speaking from the camp in Las Vegas, Fuzile said they have adapted nicely to the weather.
“I have a good sparring partner and my technical team has been working hard with me. I have studied my opponent in videos,” he said.
“It’s all systems go for us.”
Fuzile said Ward is a tricky customer.
“But I have a good plan up my sleeve,” said the southpaw from Duncan Village in the Eastern Cape.
This is the second time Fuzile has been afforded an opportunity to win the IBF title. He was sensationally knocked out by Russian Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in a title eliminator back in 2019.
The 25-year-old Fuzile will be looking to bounce back in style. He is a former SA, WBC Youth, IBF Continental Africa featherweight and IBF Continental and Intercontinental junior-lightweight holder.
He boasts a record of 14 wins with eight knockouts. His 29-year-old foe has posted 24 wins in 27 bouts.
