The first defence of the South African flyweight title has not taken place yet and already, there’s another boxer, who has raised his hand as the next opponent of whoever is going to win the bout.
Johannesburg-based boxing trainer Shannon Strydom is aiming to send his boxer Samkelo Frank Sotomela to challenge whoever wins between current champion Nkosingiphile Sibisi and challenger Theo Nxayiphi.
“Frank will be engaging in a final title eliminator in August. I’ve already spoken to Colin (Nathan) and Boxing5. Whoever wins, we want him,” Strydom said.
Sotomela from Mthatha stopped Thabang Ramagole in the fourth round during their fight held at the Box Camp in Booysens, Johannesburg, earlier this month.
Rated fifth in the South African flyweight division, Sotomela is on a six-fight winning streak after suffering his only career loss to Phumlani Maloni in April 2018.
“Since I started training Frank, our goal is to fight for the SA title. Finally, it looks like we are getting close to that. We’ve dispatched our last six opponents. We knocked out Ramagole, who is an experienced campaigner,” Strydom remarked.
“Frank is in the gym every day. He’s hungrier than ever before. Hopefully, by December or January 2025 we can engage in that flyweight SA title. He will become the SA flyweight champion.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
