With a mandatory defence in sight, reigning South African minimumweight champion Mthokozisi Ngxaka has taken his preparations for his next fight to Johannesburg.
Ngxaka, who flew from East London to Johannesburg on Saturday, put up a polished performance when he stopped Thami Luthuli in the fourth round to win the then vacant SA title at the Orient Theatre in March.
“Ngxaka has gone to Johannesburg where he will continue preparing for his next fight. He’s due for a mandatory defence and will be fighting on the 30th of June. We will soon announce his opponent,” Ngxaka’s manager Mlandeli Tengimfene said.
Thinumzi Gqola is the most eligible to challenge Ngxaka despite being rated third in South Africa. Gqola stopped Malakhi Sobolo in the first round in March.
Siphamandla Baleni and Siphesihle Sityo, who are first and second respectively, are ineligible to challenge Ngxaka as they lost their last fights. Baleni has not fought since losing to Beaven Sibanda in June last year and Sityo lost to Ngxaka in October.
Meanwhile, Ngxaka joined his trainer Zolani Tete and Theo Nxayiphi, who arrived in Johannesburg last Monday.
Nxayiphi is preparing for next Saturday’s IBF Africa flyweight title contest against Samkelo Frank Sotomela at the Carnival City in Brakpan. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
