As expected, East London boxing fans didn’t disappoint as they came in numbers to see for themselves when antagonists Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga and Regie ‘Filipino Phenom’ Suganob met for the first time on Thursday.
Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight champion Nontshinga and Suganob from the Philippines had a public workout before a pre-fight medical check-up at the Mdantsane Mall.
The two boxers are scheduled to collide at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) with Nontshinga attempting to make a successful first defence of the title he captured after he defeated Mexican boxer Hector Flores his first loss in Hermosillo, Mexico, in September last year.
Sunday’s fight pits two unbeaten boxers against each other as 24-year-old Nontshinga has stopped nine of his 11 victims. On the other hand, the 25-year-old Suganob has won all his 13 fights and registered four knockouts.
Meanwhile, veteran fight referee Mark Nelson from the United States is going to be the third man in the ring when the first bell rings.
The 58-year-old Minnesota-born Nelson, who has officiated in more than 100 title fights, is going to be assisted by Gil Co from the Philippines, South African Deon Dwarte and American Lisa Giampa as ringside judges while IBF president Daryl Peoples will supervise the fight.
