Nhlanhla ‘Mount Kilimanjaro’ Tyirha believes that he has done everything while preparing for his fight and is ready to square up against his foe Orlie Silvestre from the Philippines.
The two pugilists, who locked eyes during a pre-fight medical check-up held at the Mdantsane Mall on Thursday afternoon, are in good health ahead of their clash, which is scheduled for the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) this coming Sunday.
Tyirha and Silvestre clash in a vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental junior-flyweight title fight.
Initially, this shootout was scheduled for the Orient Theatre, but was switched to the ICC because the original venue is unavailable.
“We have had good preparations for this fight. My opponent looks fit for this fight. I expect a good fight against him. One thing I know is that my hand is going to be raised at the end of the fight,” Tyirha said.
This bout is promoted by Happy Tewo’s Tewo Boxing Promotions and is going to be Tyirha’s first fight since he left Xaba Promotions and joined Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) two months ago.
Silvestre, who landed in East London on Wednesday, is the fourth Pinoy boxer to fight against Tyirha in less than two years.
The former South African junior-flyweight champion defeated Silvestre’s compatriots Esneth Domingo, Jaysever Abcede and Joey Canoy.
Meanwhile, Luthando Bokuva from Makhanda and Mthatha’s Siseko Makeleni collide in a vacant Eastern Cape lightweight title fight.
And SA super-middleweight champion Asemahle Wellem from Chintsa clashes with Zimbabwean Tinashe Zihove in an eight rounds bout.
Other bouts:
Six rounders:
Junior-featherweight:
Awonke Tini v Zama Nguza
Featherweight:
Yamkela Phaliso v Bulelani Ngondeka
Minimumweight: Siphesihle Sityo v Ndabezintle Plaatjies
Four rounds:
Lightweight: Hlumelo Gingxana v Mbuyiseli Ndukwana
