By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Filipino boxer Christian ‘The Bomb’ Araneta’s downfall is being plotted by a troika in the form of Thembani Gopheni, Ncedo Cecane and Mandilakhe Sontlaba.
Araneta is going to face unbeaten Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight elimination bout at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in Gqeberha on Saturday, 24 April.
The winner of this fight is going to challenge reigning IBF junior-flyweight champion Felix Alvarado from Nicaragua.
“We are planning and plotting together. I’m comfortable working with Ncedo and Mandilakhe. This is the team that’s going to deliver on the day,” Gopheni, who is Nontshinga’s father, said.
Nontshinga continues to spar with Lusizo Manzana, Athenkosi Thongwana and Tisetso Matikinca, a four-time South African amateur champion.
The eight-bout tournament is going to be promoted by Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP).
Meanwhile, Araneta and his entourage are expected to land in Gqeberha this coming weekend.
