With Aphiwe ‘Swagger’ Boyiya and Sibusiso Zingange having fought twice before, a third meeting between the two boxers is on the cards.
And Ink Sport can reveal that the two gladiators might fight for the vacant South African junior-welterweight title, which was relinquished by Ntethelelo Nkosi, who’s due to take part in the WBC Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.
Initially, Boyiya signed to face off against eighth-rated Sipho Mahlangu on Sunday, 27 April, at the Orient Theatre in East London. But that tournament has since been postponed owing to the renovations taking place at the Orient Theatre.
At the time of pitting Boyiya against Mahlangu, Zingange, who is rated second in the junior-welterweight division, was engaged to face Talent Baloyi whom he beat on points in Sandton.
Writing to Siya Vabaza-Booi, the Boxing South Africa (BSA) provincial manager in the Eastern Cape, Kay B Promotions boss Mzi Booi said: “We have a schedule for 27 April 2025 at Orient Theatre. The Orient Theatre is currently closed for refurbishment, which is anticipated to take between four-six weeks. This is putting our tournament at risk. We have postponed the tournament to Friday, 23 May, at Orient Theatre.”
Booi added: “The fight for the vacant SA junior-welterweight title will now be negotiated due to the fact that Mr Mahlangu signed the contract because Mr Zingange was unavailable for the 27 April tournament. We will, therefore, open negotiations now with Mr Zingange’s camp.”
Boyiya won both the first and second fights against Zingange in September 2015 and April 2017. However, the second fight was declared a no contest after Boyiya was found to have used banned substances furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide during the bout.
Meanwhile, Booi has also told Vabaza-Booi that he has identified Friday, 27 June, as the date of his next tournament. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
