World champion Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga has been ordered by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to defend his crown against Masamichi Yabuki from Japan.
The order came after Filipino boxer Christian Araneta, who was the mandatory challenger, dropped because of an arm injury. And with Yabuki rated number two, he then got a chance to challenge IBF junior-flyweight champion Nontshinga.
“I feel good, as long as I step inside the ring and defend my world title. You know the aim is to stay active and unify the division. This fight has been spoken about for a while. I knew someday I would fight him. In order for me to become the best, I have to fight them and beat them. I am now ready for the world,” Nontshinga said.
NO DOUBT Management’s Colin Nathan, who is Nontshinga’s trainer and manager, revealed that he received a call from Teiken Promotions last week saying World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) junior-flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji wanted a unification bout, but not against the East London boxer.
“I was surprised when I got told that, but it is what it is. We will now focus on our mandatory and defending our title. Yabuki, the former WBC world champion hits like a mule and is dangerous, but Sive will prove just how good he is by beating him impressively,” Nathan said.
Meanwhile, both Nontshinga’s handlers Matchroom Promotions and Lush Midri Promotions, who represent Yabuki, have until Friday, 19 July to conclude a deal.
