He dazzled crowds during his days in the amateur ranks, but made an uninspiring professional debut when he drew with Zimbabwean boxer Ashton Ziwikaya in July last year.
And now former amateur star Simnikiwe Bongco gets yet another opportunity to impress as he fights against Brian Shakoane from the North West at the Box Camp in Booysens, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 26 April.
“I really don’t know my opponent, but I think that shouldn’t be a problem. I just need to do better than I did in my debut,” Bongco said.
“I need to relax and pick my punches very well when I’m fighting. There’s no need to rush things during the fight. I gassed out early during my first fight because I rushed things.”
Duncan Village-born Bongco, who is trained by Shannon Strydom in Johannesburg, added: “I came back from East London in January and have been working hard at the gym since.”
Meanwhile, 12 boxers are going to make their professional debuts during the 10-bout tournament, which is promoted by Boxing 5 Promotions. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
