South African boxer Thabo Sonjica is hoping to raise his profile in the game when he defends his IBO super-bantamweight title against Roli Gasca of the Philippines on August 9.
The Eastern Cape-born boxer last fought outside his province five years ago, when he took part in two bouts in Gauteng, and will now return Emperors Palace as part of the “Chesa Nyama Silver Salvo” bill.
He has only lost twice in a 21-fight career, both to Macbute Sinyabi, but managed to avenge those losses last year. However, the 25-year-old believes beating former world champions Simphiwe Nogqayi has been the highlight of his career so far.
“No, no, beating Simphiwe Nongqayi before that is what made me believe,” he told Golden Gloves. “Nongqayi was a great fighter . . . I knocked him out.”
After successfully defending his IBO title via a first round knockout of Toto Helebe in June, Sonjica is hopeful that winning his next fight will get him closer to challenging for a WBC belt.
“Winning at Emperors will take me there,” he said. “I’m now number 10 in the WBC, so good things are happening.”
Although he knows little about Gasca, Sonjica believes his preparations, which included sparring with Ali Funeka and Xolani Ncotheni, have gone extremely well.
“They (Ali and Xolani) have given me great work. Things have gone really well in the gym,” he added. “I’m going to demolish this guy. It won’t get past round six, I promise
