Boxers prepped hard for combat

Team Dida boxers have vowed to execute their A-game at the Kagiso Memorial and Recreational Centre come 28 June.

The boxers, Thato Bonokoane, Kabelo Bikitsha, Linda Ntshingila, Prince Dlomo and Cane Dube, are set to clash with their respective opponents in the latest tournament organised by Team Dida Boxing Promotions in Kagiso.

The Northsider caught up with some of the boxers at their Ruimsig Athletics Stadium-based gym as they prepared for their fights at Day of Reckoning Reloaded, a revitalised version of the previous tournament, entitled Day of Reckoning – which left quite a number of fans disappointed with some of the action.

Bonokoane’s bout against Innocent Mantengu for the vacant South African Junior Featherweight title was one of fights that drew crowds to the arena; however, the fight did not live up to expectations and ended in a draw – leaving the title unclaimed.

Nevertheless, these boxers are set to settle the matter and have one of them walk away with the ultimate title.

Speaking to Bonokoane about the title rematch, he said, “I’m confident that this time around I’m going to give of the best, unlike last time. I know I should’ve done better but I’m positive that I will outclass him come 28 June”.

He also promised to enjoy himself in the ring and entertain the fans, elements he felt were missing from his game plan last time.

A new member of the Team Dida camp, Kabelo Bikitsha, who recently suffered a loss on the East Rand, said he had learned from his previous fight and was prepared for his next bout against Ripfumelo Chakwabane.

“My previous fight was a loss on unanimous decision against Denis Mwale. I lost the fight because of the way I strategised. I rushed for a knockout and that cost me the fight,” he said.

Bikitsha, who’s only had three wins in four professional fights, promised his fans a new version of himself. “Fans will witness a brand new me. I will be explosive and organised in the ring,” he promised.

His boxing coach, Nyiko Bright, attested to the improved boxing spirit that Bikitsha wields. “Bikitsha will be having his first fight under Team Dida. He is stronger than he used to be before joining our camp. He is just on another level,” he said.

Bright also shed light on Ntshingila, Dlomo and Dube’s preparations. “Of all of them, Dlomo has gone the extra mile, jogging every day from Soweto to the gym. Dlomo is hungry for the title. He last fought last year and won the fight but because he was overweight the title was forfeited,” he said.

Ntshingila is one of the boxers who was supposed to have his rematch with Brandon Thysse after their last encounter ended in a draw. However, according to Bright, Thysee could not compete as he recently had a fight. Ntshingila’s opponent is now Simone Dladla.

Cane Dube, who also trained twice as hard as usual, according to Bright, will be in the ring against Fani Mnguni.

Bright has assured boxing fans a spectacle and predicted wins for all five boxers.