By Linda Ximba
Gcina Makhoba is not fazed by being pitted against Roberto Paradero.
Makhoba, the WBF International Junior Bantamweight Champion, and Paradero will do battle for the vacant WBF world crown at Majuba College in Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
The fight is staged by Hle-Jobe Promotions which is owned by new kid on the block, female promoter Hlengiwe Sithole.
This will be the first time Makhoba will be involved in a major fight against a credible opponent who has previously failed to win the coveted WBA Super minimum belt.
WBF International Junior Bantamweight Champion Gcina Makhoba is not fazed by being pitted against Paradero.
Paradero, who trains at the famous stable of the great Manny Pacquiao, is a former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Minimumweight title holder. He boasts a record of 18 wins in 22 fights.
This will be Makhoba’s 11th fight. He has won eight times and drew once. He captured the WBF grade B belt from Msawenkosi Ndwandwe in 2020 and defended it successfully against the same opponent in October this year.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa shortly after learning Paradero had touched down in the country Makhoba seemed to be fired up for the fight.
“I don’t care about his profile and background. What I know is he will have a tough time in the ring,” he said.
“I will enjoy the backing of my home crowd. I won’t disappoint my fans or my family.” Makhoba knows how important this fight is.
“A win for me will open doors for major fights next year,” he said.
In another eagerly-awaited fight, Wendy Gcadu and Noxolo Mkhasibe will collide for the vacant female KwaZulu-Natal Super Middleweight title over ten rounds.
Meanwhile, KZN ring officials will work overtime this weekend. After doing duty in Dundee they will trek to Ulundi in northern KZN on Sunday where Ludonga Boxing Promotions stages a tournament with two WBF International belts at stake.
Ayanda Mthembu and Sinemalile Ntuli meet in the middleweight clash while Sabelo Cebekhulu and Mawande Matroos engage in the junior bantamweight division. Both title fights are scheduled for ten rounds.
Pictured above: Gcina Makhoba (middle)
Image source: Supplied
