By Monwabisi Jimlongo
The domination of Filipino boxers over their South African opponents in recent fights has given Sikho ‘Sequence’ Nqothole an idea about how to approach battles against the Asians.
The 28-year-old Nqothole has insisted that he’s going to tread carefully when he meets unbeaten Filipino boxer Denmark Quibido at the Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday. The two boxers are going to fight for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Global junior-bantamweight title.
“I have seen what these guys from the Philippines did to my compatriots in recent fights. They want to rule and dominate us,” Nqothole, who is trained by former South African bantamweight champion Phumzile Matyhila, said.
The Filipinos’ domination over South African boxers this year gained momentum when Gideon Buthelezi was stopped in the first round by Dave Apolinario in a vacant International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight title three months ago.
Earlier this month, former IBO minimumweight titlist Simphiwe Konkco saw stars when he was knocked out in the seventh round by Garen Diagan.
And another Filipino Jayr Raquinel left East London boxing fans speechless after he stopped favourite Lwandile Ngxeke in the second round during their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Intercontinental junior-bantamweight title fight at the International Convention Centre (ICC) on Sunday.
“I met Denmark during the pre-fight medical check-up. He looks strong just like the other Filipinos. I’m going to keep my distance from him until I can see that I can shake him during the fight. The guys from the Philippines mean business. I have to defend our country’s dignity against them. I will be fighting my own battle and I have to make sure that these guys respect our country,” Nqothole remarked.
Meanwhile, Quibido comes highly recommended having won 12 times with seven of those wins coming from stoppages against one draw.
